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Drachm - Varhran II type III/1 - IV/1
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 275-293 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Bust of Bahram II (Varhran II) facing right, wearing a winged crown surmounted by a globe or korymbos, adorned with earrings and royal regalia. In the left field, a smaller confronting bust of the king's son faces left, wearing a cap distinguished by an animal-head device, variously identified as a boar-crown or horse-crown. The portrait style reflects the elaborate Sasanian court iconography characteristic of Bahram II's coinage, with fine detailing of the royal headdress and facial features executed in the hammered silver tradition. |
|---|---|
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| Mintage | ND (275-292) - Göbl# IV/1 (boar-crown?) - ND (276-293) - Göbl# III/1 (horse-crown?) - ND (276-293) - SNS#118 (Type III/1 - 4.26 g.) Style A - ND (276-293) - SNS#150 (Type III/1 - 4.37 g.) Style F (`Ray`) - ND (276-293) - SNS#155 (Type III/1 - 4.26 g.) Style I (`HWPY`) - ND (276-293) - SNS#160 (Type III/1 - 3.63 g.) Hybrid: Obverse style B/Rev. style A - ND (276-293) - W. H. Valentine#18 - |
| Additional information |
Vahram II ruled the Sasanian Empire through a period of sustained dynastic instability — his reign saw at least two serious revolts, including that of his brother Hormizd in the east and the usurpation of Bahram III, who held power for only a few months in 293 before being deposed and likely executed. The type III/1 to IV/1 transition in Göbl's classification reflects a shift in the royal bust treatment that numismatists associate with changes in the court workshop, possibly tied to these political disruptions rather than any single mint reform.