Coin Description: Principality of Chach Bronze Coin

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Features:

• Issuer: Principality of Chach
• Ruling Authority: Nirtanak (circa 601-801)
• Type: Standard circulation coin
• Years of Circulation: 601-801
• Composition: Bronze
• Weight: 2.01 g
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Shape: Round (irregular)
• Technique: Hammered
• Demonetized: Yes

Historical Context:

The Principality of Chach, also known as Chachstan (Persian-Sogdian), Shash (Arabic), and Shi or Zheshi (Chinese), was an ancient state located in the Tashkent oasis, present-day Uzbekistan. This region was a historical crossroads bordered by the Syr Darya River to the west, the Keles steppe to the north, the Tien Shan mountains to the east, and the Kuramin mountains to the southeast.

Historical Development:

• Early Period:

  • Chach was part of the semi-nomadic state of Kangyu in the first centuries BC.
  • Gained independence around 262 AD, as recorded in the Sassanid "Kaaba of Zoroaster" inscription.
  • The first capital, identified with the Kanka settlement, was on the Syr Darya River.

• Coinage:

  • Local coin minting began in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD with copper scyphate coins.
  • Obverse: Featured the ruler's head with long curly hair and a diadem, sometimes with a crescent moon.
  • Reverse: Displayed a tamga with a Sogdian legend indicating the name, title, and possession.

• 5th-8th Century Developments:

  • Chach became part of the Hephthalite possessions in the mid-5th century.
  • Contested by the Hephthalites and the Turkic Khaganate in the 6th century.
  • The capital moved to Madinat ash-Shash, then Binket in the early 7th century, becoming a cultural and trade hub.
  • Coins from this period often depicted rulers with Turkic facial features and various symbols or tamgas, reflecting Byzantine influence and local dynastic symbols.

Arab Conquest and Coin Evolution:

• The arrival of Arabs in Central Asia marked a transition in coinage, adopting styles and forms similar to those of the Caliphate, reflecting new political and cultural influences.