Drachm - Ardashir I type IIIa/3b

İhraççı Sasanian Empire
Yıl
Tür Standard circulation coin
Değer Drachm (1⁄12)
Para birimi Dinar (224 AD-651 AD)
Bileşim Silver
Ağırlık 4.32 g
Çap 25 mm
Kalınlık
Şekil Round (irregular)
Teknik Hammered
Yönlendirme 3 o`clock ↑→
Gravürcü(ler)
Dolaşımda olduğu yıl 0242
Referans(lar) Göbl Sasan#III/2, SNS Iran#IIIa/3b
Ön yüz açıklaması 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`
Ön yüz yazısı
Ön yüz lejandı
(Translation: (`The Mazda-worshipping Lord, Ardashir, King of Kings of the Iranians, whose essence is from the gods` in Pahlavi).)
Arka yüz açıklaması Fire altar; to left and right, `NWRA ZY ˗ ʾrthštr`, i.e. `ādur ī Ardaxšēr`
Arka yüz yazısı
Arka yüz lejandı
(Translation: (`Fire of Ardashir` in Pahlavi).)
Kenar Smooth
Darphane
Basma adedi ? - -
Numisquare Kimliği 5430073860
Ek bilgiler

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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