Drachm - Ardashir I type IIIa/3b

Эмитент Sasanian Empire
Год
Тип Standard circulation coin
Номинал Drachm (1⁄12)
Валюта Dinar (224 AD-651 AD)
Состав Silver
Вес 4.32 g
Диаметр 25 mm
Толщина
Форма Round (irregular)
Техника Hammered
Ориентация 3 o`clock ↑→
Гравёр(ы)
В обращении до 0242
Каталожные номера Göbl Sasan#III/2, SNS Iran#IIIa/3b
Описание аверса 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`
Письменность аверса
Надписи аверса
(Translation: (`The Mazda-worshipping Lord, Ardashir, King of Kings of the Iranians, whose essence is from the gods` in Pahlavi).)
Описание реверса Fire altar; to left and right, `NWRA ZY ˗ ʾrthštr`, i.e. `ādur ī Ardaxšēr`
Письменность реверса
Надписи реверса
(Translation: (`Fire of Ardashir` in Pahlavi).)
Гурт Smooth
Монетный двор
Тираж ? - -
ID Numisquare 5430073860
Дополнительная информация

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.

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