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Drachm - Vistahm type I/1
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 590-597 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered |
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| Obverse description | Frontal bust of the Sasanian king Vistahm (Bistam) facing right, depicted in the royal tradition with elaborate regalia including pendant earrings and a distinctive crown surmounted by a crescent. Two pellet stars flank the upper field. The portrait is rendered in the characteristic late Sasanian hammered style, with fine chased details emphasizing the royal headdress and facial features. |
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| Reverse script | Pahlavi |
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| Additional information |
Vistahm — also rendered Bistam — was a Parthian noble of the Ispahbudhan house who seized control of substantial northern territories during the civil war that followed Hormizd IV's murder in 590. His coinage is among the most contested in late Sasanian numismatics: the attribution of specific mint signatures to his authority versus that of Khusro II, who was simultaneously consolidating power from the south, remains unresolved in several cases. The SNS Schaaf references spanning four consecutive numbers reflect that uncertainty directly.
Vistahm was eventually killed around 596–597, likely by agents loyal to Khusro II.