Sasanian Empire Tetradrachm - Ardashir I, 224 – 241

Tetradrachm from Sasanian Empire. Issued from 224 to 241. Struck in Billon. Measures 29 mm and weighs 13.68 g.

Obverse

A portrait of the king facing right, in Parthian-style headdress (kulah) edged along the borders with tow rows of "pearls". There is an ornament made of "pearls" on the kulah. The central ornament is a six-pointed star. The hair covered by bashlyk edged with "pearls", and ribbons with bows flow out from the kulah. Around his neck the King wears a necklace in the form of tow hoops. There is a pointed rim around the picture. Middle Persian (Pahlavi) legend (Mazda worshipper, the lord (divine) Ardashir, king of kings of Iran, whose origin is from the gods)

Reverse

A fire-altar (atasdan) in the form of column with a capitellum and base consisting of some plates. Under the capitellum there is a tongue of flame. The capitellum is supported by stands in the form of "lion paws" resting upon censers. The stands are decorated with bows. There is a pointed rim around the picture. Pahlavi legend (Fire (fire-altar) of Ardashir)

Edge

Smooth