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Drachm - Khusro II
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 627 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Drachm (1⁄12) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Facing royal effigy of Khosrau II (Khusro II), depicted wearing an elaborate mural crown surmounted by two wings and a star-in-crescent device, with ribbons falling over the shoulders. The Pahlavi legend to the upper left reads 'GDH' followed by the phrase 'APZUTI', while the regal titulature 'Husrav, Malkan Malka' (Khosrau, King of Kings) appears to the right of the bust. Star-in-crescent symbols flank the crown, and the design is enclosed within a double inner border, with additional star-in-crescent devices distributed throughout the outer margin. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Facing bust of the goddess Anahita rendered with a distinctive flame nimbus encircling the head, presented in a hieratic, frontal style characteristic of late Sasanian artistic convention. The design is framed by a double inner border and a single outer border, with star-in-crescent ornaments positioned in the intervening space. The regnal year 37, corresponding to 627 AD, is inscribed in Pahlavi script within the field. |
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| Additional information |
By 627, Khusro II's empire was fracturing under the relentless Byzantine counteroffensive of Heraclius, who had spent years driving deep into Sasanian territory after Khusro's forces had briefly seized Jerusalem, Egypt, and much of Anatolia. The mint output of these late regnal years remained prolific despite the military collapse — Khusro maintained an extensive administrative apparatus that continued striking silver even as his provincial governors began defecting.
He was deposed and executed by his own son Kavad II in February 628, making late-dated issues from his 38-year reign the product of a court already in terminal disorder.