SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II, 591-628. Drachm (Silver, 31 mm, 3.75 g, 3 h), ML (Marw), RY 33 = AD 623. 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, 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, date; to right, ML (name of the mint in Pahlawi). SSCT 2961. Nicely toned. Minor corrosion at the edge, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collection of Dr. D. Löer, formed since the 1970s, privately acquired from Ancient Coins Canada.

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.