Iran-Sasanian No Date (438-457 AD) 1 drachm
The Sasanian Empire rose in place of the failing Parthian Empire, founded by Ardashir I, a king of Persis. Under his son Shapur I, the empire grew to include Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, other parts of Central Asia, and the Gulf Coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Sasanian armies fought for centuries against the Romans, but were only conquered in the end by the Arabs in the 7th century. The official Sasanian religion was Zoroastrianism, and sacred fires are depicted on the reverse of most coins.
The specimen shown was lot 30 in Steve Album sale 16 (Santa Rosa, CA, May 2013), where it did not sell. The catalog description reads[1]:
"SASANIAN KINGDOM: Yazdigerd II, 438-457, AR drachm, WH (Veh-Ardashir), attendants hold long spears, very broad margins, bold strike, choice EF."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.09g, silver.
Catalog reference: G-160, cf. SNS-19.
- [1]Album, Stephen. Stephen Album Rare Coins - Auction 16. Santa Rosa, 2013. Stephen Album Rare Coins.
- Gobl, Robert. Sasanian Numismatics. New York: 1971. Sanford J. Durnst.
- Sayles, Wayne G. Ancient Coin Collecting VI - Non-Classical Cultures. Iola, WI, 1999. Krause Publications.
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