SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II.(591-628) .Struck during the Sasanian occupation of Syria.Follis.

Obv : Phocas and Leontia standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; cross between them.

Rev : Large M, cross above, Δ below.

Condition : The coin is in moderate condition, with worn details, particularly on the figures, making them less defined. The patina is primarily an earthy yellowish-brown, with dark green and black spots scattered across the surface. There is evidence of corrosion, but the inscriptions and key symbols remain visible, despite some wear. The uneven patina suggests prolonged exposure to the elements, adding to its aged appearance.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 3h

Weight : 13.47 gr
Diameter : 31 mm

The Sasanian Empire, one of the most powerful Persian dynasties, expanded significantly during its conflict with the Byzantine Empire, including the invasion and occupation of Syria in the early 7th century. This period of intense warfare between the Byzantines and the Sasanians saw the two empires vying for control over key regions, and Syria, with its strategic importance and wealth, became a focal point of their struggle.

In 610, under the rule of Khosrow II, the Sasanian armies launched a series of successful campaigns that culminated in the capture of several important Byzantine territories, including Syria and the city of Antioch, one of the empire's most significant urban centers. The occupation of Syria lasted for about two decades, until the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius reclaimed these lands in the 620s.

During their occupation of Syria, the Sasanians implemented administrative and economic changes to solidify their control. One of the most interesting aspects of their rule was the minting of coins that closely resembled Byzantine folles, the large bronze coins that were a common currency in the Byzantine Empire. This imitation of Byzantine coinage was not merely a matter of practicality but also a political statement. By producing coins similar in style and denomination to the Byzantine currency, the Sasanians aimed to maintain continuity in trade and economic transactions in the region, reducing the potential disruption caused by the change in rule.

These Sasanian coins, often struck in the likeness of Byzantine folles, typically featured Zoroastrian religious symbols alongside elements borrowed from Byzantine iconography. For example, the coins might include images of the Sasanian king or Zoroastrian fire altars, while still retaining the general design and format of Byzantine currency. This blending of styles was likely intended to ensure that the local population, long accustomed to Byzantine coinage, would accept the new Sasanian coins without hesitation, facilitating smoother economic integration during the occupation.

The imitation of Byzantine coins also reflected the pragmatic approach of the Sasanian administration in Syria. Rather than imposing entirely new systems, they adopted and adapted existing structures to suit their needs. The minting of these coins ensured that commercial activities could continue with minimal disruption, which was vital in a region as economically significant as Syria.

The Sasanian production of coins resembling Byzantine folles illustrates the complexity of the political and cultural exchanges between the two empires. Despite being fierce rivals, the Sasanians recognized the value of Byzantine economic practices and used them to their advantage during their occupation of Syria. This episode highlights the broader dynamics of competition and adaptation that characterized the long-standing conflict between the Byzantine and Sasanian empires.