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Obol - Shapur II
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire (Sasanian Empire (224-651)) |
|---|---|
| Year | 309-379 |
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| Currency | Dinar (224 AD-651 AD) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A Zoroastrian fire altar depicted frontally at centre, with two hanging ribbons or streamers at its sides, flanked by two standing guardian figures facing inward. The altar is rendered in schematic architectural form typical of Sasanian minor coinage, resting on a stepped base, with flames implied at the summit. The guardians, shown in profile, are dressed in Sasanian court attire, underscoring the religious and dynastic symbolism of the design. |
| Reverse script | Pahlavi |
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| Additional information |
Shapur II holds the distinction of being the only ruler in history crowned before birth — declared king by Sasanian nobles who placed the crown on his mother's womb after his father Hormizd II was killed. He then reigned for 70 years, the longest of any Sasanian king, waging three separate wars against Rome and systematically persecuting Mesopotamian Christians after Constantine made Christianity the favored religion of the empire.
The extreme lightness of this obol places it at the fractional end of Sasanian silver production, a denomination struck in limited quantities and poorly represented in most collections.