Octodrachm - Bahram II

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.