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Obol - Ardakhshir I
| Issuer | Persis, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 275 BC - 265 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Obol (⅙) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Central design features a fire altar or fire temple dedicated to Ahura-Mazda, depicted in elevation with crenellated turrets flanking the central structure, evoking the sacred Zoroastrian sanctuary. A standard or ensign appears to the right of the temple. A two-line Aramaic inscription occupies the left field and the exergue, identifying the issuing ruler and his title. The composition reflects the deeply religious and dynastic iconography characteristic of the frataraka rulers of Persis. |
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| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (275 BC - 265 BC) |
| Additional information |
Ardakhshir I ruled Persis as a vassal king under Seleucid overlordship following Alexander's conquest and the subsequent fragmentation of his empire. These small silver fractions were issued from a region that jealously maintained its own dynastic coinage tradition even as Seleucid currency dominated the broader Near East — a quiet assertion of local continuity under foreign suzerainty.
At 0.6 g, attrition and loss are the norm; the Alram and Haatvedt corpus documents precious few specimens in collectible condition.