Sasanian Empire Drachm - Hormazd II, 301 – 310

Drachm from Sasanian Empire. Issued from 301 to 310. Struck in Silver (.900). Measures 27 mm and weighs 4.25 g.

Obverse

A portrait of the king facing right. His crown takes the form of a diadem under which is depicted a bird of prey with a "pearl" in its beak. On the peak of the crown there is a globe. The diadem is adorned with pearls. Ribbons flow from the diadem and globe. The king's hair is curled and he has a beard. Around his neck is a necklace of large beads. On the globe there are ornamental points. There is a pointed rim around the picture. Pahlavi legend (Mazda worshipper, the lord Hormazd, king of kings of Eran and non-Eran, whose origin is from the gods)

Reverse

An atasdan in the form of high column with a capitellum and base. Above the capitellum is a tounge of flame. In the flame is a bust of Ahura-Mazdah. The column is covered by ribbons. Along the sides of the atasdan there are two attendants with swords in their hands. The left-hand figure wears the crown of Hormazd II; the one on the right, the stylized crown of Ahuramazda. Pahlavi legend (Fire of Ohrmazd)

Edge

Smooth