Sasanian Empire Drachm - Shapur I, 240 – 272

Drachm from Sasanian Empire. Issued from 240 to 272. Struck in Billon. Measures 29 mm and weighs 4.39 g.

Obverse

A bust of the King right, wearing a crown with three teeth and a globe. Ribbons with bows flow away from the globe and diadem. The bashlyk is depicted frontally. His hair is curled and his beard tied. There is a rim around the picture. Pahlavi legend (Mazda worshipper Shapur, King of Kings of Iran and non-Iran, whose origin is from the gods)

Reverse

The fire-altar (atasdan)is in the form of high column with a capitellum and base. Along the sides of atasdan there are two attendants wearing crowns with globes, with swords by their waists and spears in their hands. The figures stand with their backs to the altar. Pahlavi legend (Fire (fire-temple) of Shapur)

Edge

Smooth