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Obol - Valkash type Ib/1a
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 484-488 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Obol (1⁄72) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Draped bust of Balash (Valkash) facing right, wearing the characteristic Sasanian merlon crown surmounted by a korymbos set upon a crescent; a ribbon is depicted on the left shoulder and flames rise on the right side of the bust. The portrait is rendered in the distinctive late Sasanian hammered style, with fine detail in the headdress elements. The field surrounding the effigy is plain, consistent with the small flan format of the obol denomination. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A fire altar with pendant ribbons occupies the central field, the shaft of the altar bearing a rightward-facing bust of Balash (Valkash) in profile. Two attendants stand flanking the altar in the typical Sasanian fire-altar composition. A star appears to the left and a crescent to the right of the flames atop the altar, serving as celestial symbols of royal and divine authority. |
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| Mintage | ND (484-488) - SNS# 520 (Type I/1 0.50 g.) Persepolis (Istakhr) Fars |
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