★ A fascinating countermark ★

SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II, 591-628. Drachm (Silver, 31 mm, 4.00 g, 4 h), ST (Stakhr), blundered RY 7(?) = AD 537. Draped bust of Khosrau II to right, wearing elaborate mural crown; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, HWSRWD ('Khosrau' in Pahlawi); in upper left margin, countermark of crowned head to right; before head, legend in Pahlawi. Rev. Fire altar flanked by two attendants; in upper left field, six-pointed star; in upper right field, crescent; to left, blundered date; to right, ST (name of the mint in Pahlawi). Cf. SSCT 3232 (for RY 7 and without a countermark). Vondrovec -. A nicely toned example with a fascinating countermark. Struck from worn dies, otherwise, very fine.

The countermark on this coin is exceptional: not only is the style of the royal head exceptional, it also has a legend, which could be helpful for the identification of the issuer.