Numismatic

Sasanian Empire AR Drachm King Khusru I (531-579 AD) VF NGC

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This ancient silver drachm originates from the Sasanian Empire, minted during the reign of King Khusru I between the years 531 and 579 AD. Struck in approximately 0.12 ounces of silver, the coin has a diameter of about 32 mm. It survives today in a certified Very Fine state of preservation, offering a remarkably clear window into the artistic traditions of late antiquity. The obverse of the coin displays a right-facing portrait of the king. He is depicted wearing a highly detailed, traditional Sassanian-style crown, which serves as a powerful symbol of his royal authority. The intricate details of the portrait reflect the skilled craftsmanship of the empire's ancient die-engravers. On the reverse, the coin features a central fire altar, a core symbol of the state religion. The sacred flames are flanked by two standing attendants, with a star and a crescent moon positioned on either side of the fire. This rich combination of royal portraiture and religious iconography makes the coin a fascinating object of study for anyone interested in the ancient world.