SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II, 591-628. Drachm (Silver, 32 mm, 4.00 g, 3 h), AY (Eran-Khwarrah-Shapur), RY 35 = AD 624. 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 outer margin, APD / NWKW ('excellent' and 'good' in Pahlawi) and countermark of the mythical creature Senmurv. Rev. Fire altar with ribbons flanked by two attendants; in upper left field, six-pointed star; in upper right field, crescent; to left, partly illegible date; to right, AYL (name of the mint in Pahlawi). SSCT 2054. Minor deposits on the reverse and with minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
This countermark shows a senmurv (simurgh) - a mythical bird in Persian mythology with the body of a peacock, the head of a dog, and the claws of a lion.
Price realized | 35 CHF |
Starting price | 25 CHF |