Hephthalites AR Drachm, Napki Malka, c. AD 475–575, fire-altar, 4.00g 30mm

Hephthalites, Drachm, silver, reign c. AD 475–575, struck c. AD 475–575; 4.00 g; 30 mm. Obverse: Crowned and draped bust right with beaded diadem and earring; uncertain legend; beaded border. Reverse: Anepigraphic; fire-altar with two attendants standing; beaded border. Struck on a broad, thin flan of Sasanian module at an uncertain mint; “Napki Malka” type. Reference: Mitchiner 1507–08.

Historical significance: The “Napki Malka” drachms are attributed to the Hephthalites during their control of eastern Iran and Central Asia in the late 5th–6th centuries. They adopt Sasanian monetary fabric and the Zoroastrian fire-altar type while replacing Sasanian royal names with a distinct legend often transcribed as napki malkā, variously interpreted as a name or title. Their wide distribution indicates integration into the regional silver standard and illustrates Hephthalite participation in, and influence over, the Sasanian and Silk Road monetary networks.