1/2 Drachm - 'Ispahbadh of Tabaristan' Khurshid with Farrukhan the Little Arab-Sasanian
| Issuer | Dabuyid dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 740-760 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm (642-760) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Val Sn#76, Val Sn#77 |
| Obverse description | Head of Khusru with the official tiara; in front of face the name `Khurshid`. Brave in the margin at the right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
KHURSHITU in the margin at the right : APD-afid (Translation: Khwar(kh)šēd Brave / Praise) |
| Reverse description | Fire-altar and attendants,. In margin four crescents and stars with four sets of triple dots between. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering |
(Translation: on the left: Dating on the right: TAPURISTAN) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (740-748) - W. H. Valentine#77 (Farrukhan) - ND (740-748) - with Farrukhan the Little - ND (740-760) - W. H. Valentine#76 (Khurshid) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1552405210 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This silver 1/2 Drachm, issued by the Dabuyid dynasty Ispahbadh Khurshid between 740-760, represents a critical numismatic bridge. Khurshid, the last independent ruler of Tabaristan, governed a semi-autonomous region resisting direct Arab control during the Umayyad and early Abbasid periods. The coin's inscription referencing "Farrukhan the Little" (likely Farrukhan the Great, Khurshid's grandfather) underscores dynastic legitimacy and continuity amidst significant political upheaval. These issues are vital for understanding Tabaristan's unique cultural and political identity as it navigated the transition from Sasanian to Islamic hegemony.
Artistry: Typifying the Arab-Sasanian stylistic school, this coin merges traditional Sasanian iconography with nascent Islamic epigraphy. The obverse features a stylized bust of Khurshid, often derived from earlier Sasanian prototypes, wearing a distinctive crown. The reverse typically displays a Sasanian fire altar flanked by two attendants, a powerful symbol of Zoroastrian heritage. Crucially, the marginal Kufic legends, often indicating mint and date, signal the gradual influence of Islamic administration, creating a fascinating artistic synthesis reflecting the era's complex cultural landscape.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad 24 mm flan, despite its modest 2 gg weight, this 1/2 Drachm often exhibits characteristic strike imperfections. Key high-points for evaluation include the intricate details of Khurshid's crown and facial features on the obverse, and the flames of the fire altar and the attendants' heads on the reverse. Legibility of the Kufic legends is paramount. Common technical issues include off-centering, weak strikes, particularly on the flan edges, and potential die wear, all of which impact overall grade and eye appeal.