← Explore on the interactive map

Sogdian Merchant Coins

Type Object Region Central Asia Time 500–600

In the 6th century, Sogdian merchants of Central Asia traded long distances along the Silk Road, and circulating coins showed a mixed plurality: Sasa…

Timeline

  1. c. 500–530Samarkand · SogdianaMerchants of the Sogdian city-states used Sasanian drachm silver coins and Byzantine solidus gold coins as their main mediums of exchange, while also accepting copper coins from the east, forming a cross-imperial currency circulation sphere.
  2. c. 540–570Bukhara · SogdianaSogdian caravans traveled between the Persian and Byzantine frontiers and northern China; hoards and excavated coins along the way show Sasanian, Byzantine, and local imitation coins coexisting, reflecting active long-distance trade.
  3. c. 580–600Tashkent oasis · Sogdiana corridorIn the late 6th century, Sogdian merchants were still active in the Central Asian corridors; coin finds show Byzantine gold coins and Sasanian silver coins coexisting, with Central Plains copper coins also seen at some sites, confirming multi-directional currency exchange along the Silk Road.

Sources