Æ 15 - Hormizd I

Historical Context: This Æ 15 coin represents the reign of Hormizd I, son of the great Sasanian monarch Shapur I, who ruled the Sasanian Empire briefly around 270-271 CE. While his imperial reign was short, this "Indo-Sasanian" attribution and the broader date range (270-300 CE) suggest a regional issue from the eastern frontiers of the Sasanian sphere of influence, likely minted by local authorities under Sasanian suzerainty. Bronze coinage played a crucial role in the everyday economy of these peripheral territories, facilitating local trade and demonstrating the administrative reach of the Sasanian state far beyond its imperial heartland.

Artistry: The engraver of this piece remains anonymous, typical for the period and particularly for provincial bronze issues. The stylistic school adheres to the broader Sasanian imperial tradition, albeit often in a simplified or more schematic form due to the medium and likely local minting. The obverse typically features a right-facing bust of Hormizd I, identifiable by his distinctive crown, which often incorporates elements like a korymbos or mural crown. The reverse usually depicts a fire altar, a central Zoroastrian symbol, sometimes with attendants, or a simpler dynastic emblem, reflecting Sasanian religious and political iconography.

Technical/Grading: As a small bronze issue (15mm, 2.4g), technical strike qualities often vary significantly. Common characteristics include irregular flans, off-center strikes, and weak striking pressure, which can obscure finer details. For grading, high-points to assess include the crown details on the obverse, particularly the korymbos or mural elements, and the facial features (nose, eye). On the reverse, the clarity of the fire altar flames and any attendant figures, if present, are critical. The overall preservation of these elements dictates the coin's condition and legibility.