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Octodrachm - Bahram II
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 276-293 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Orientation | 3 o`clock ↑→ |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A fire altar depicted in the centre of the field, flanked by two standing attendants facing outward, each crowned with a winged crown bearing a korymbos, in the traditional Sasanian priestly or royal guardianship pose. A fravahr symbol appears to the right of the altar flames, and three pellets are positioned to the left. The composition is rendered in the formal, symmetrical style characteristic of Sasanian sacred coinage, with Inscriptional Pahlavi legends in the field. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Bahram II ruled the Sasanian Empire during a period of acute dynastic instability — he faced down at least two serious revolts, including one led by his own brother Hormizd, who briefly held the eastern provinces. The billon composition of this octodrachm reflects a degraded silver standard that had been sliding since the mid-third century, likely linked to the financial strain of both military campaigning and the ambitious building programs Bahram undertook to consolidate legitimacy.
The Göbl Sasan I/1 classification places this among the earliest die groupings of his reign.