Catalogus
| Uitgever | Sasanian Empire |
|---|---|
| Jaar | |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | Drachm (1⁄12) |
| Valuta | Dinar (224 AD-651 AD) |
| Samenstelling | Silver |
| Gewicht | 4.32 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | 3 o`clock ↑→ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | 0242 |
| Referentie(s) | Göbl Sasan#III/2, SNS Iran#IIIa/3b |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Crowned and draped bust of Ardashir I to right; legend along the dotted rim, running anticlockwise from 11 h to 1 h, `mzdysn bgy ʾrthštr MRKAn MRKA ʾyrʾn MNW ctry MN yzdʾn`, i.e. `mazdēsn bay Ardaxšēr šāhān šāh Ērān kē čihr az ya (a)dān` |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
(Translation: (`The Mazda-worshipping Lord, Ardashir, King of Kings of the Iranians, whose essence is from the gods` in Pahlavi).) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Fire altar; to left and right, `NWRA ZY ˗ ʾrthštr`, i.e. `ādur ī Ardaxšēr` |
| Schrift keerzijde | |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
(Translation: (`Fire of Ardashir` in Pahlavi).) |
| Rand | Smooth |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
? - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 5430073860 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: This Drachm belongs to Ardashir I, the formidable founder of the Sasanian Empire (c. 224-241 CE). His reign marked a pivotal shift, overthrowing the Arsacid Parthian dynasty and establishing a centralized, expansionist state with Zoroastrianism as its official religion. Type IIIa/3b represents a mature phase of Ardashir's coinage, reflecting the consolidation of his power and the firm establishment of Sasanian iconography.
Artistry: The coin's artistry, typical of early Sasanian numismatics, is characterized by a hieratic and powerful style, departing from Hellenistic influences. While engravers remain anonymous, the design emphasizes royal authority and religious legitimacy. The obverse features a majestic bust of Ardashir I, facing right, adorned with a distinctive crown often incorporating a large globe. The reverse displays the Zoroastrian fire altar, flanked by attendants, symbolizing the state's devotion to Ahura Mazda and the new religious order.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to a standard of 4.32 grams and 25 millimeters, this drachm exemplifies the robust Sasanian monetary system. Key high-points for grading include the intricate details of Ardashir's crown and beard on the obverse, and the flames of the fire altar and figures of the attendants on the reverse. A well-struck example exhibits a full flan, strong strike, and clear Pahlavi legends, though slight off-centering or weakness in peripheral areas are common.