Selection of Tabaristan Silver Hemidrachms

$37.91

A selection of Tabaristan AR Hemidrachms. The obverse features the bust of a Sasanian king facing right, wearing a crenellated crown with wings, a crescent and a star. He is also wearing a diadem and presents classic Sasanian characteristics such as the beard and moustache. Written in front of the face is APZUT in Pahlavi. To the reverse, a fire alter with two facing attendants.

INDIVIDUALLY PRICED

N.B. Please note that this is a general lot. The image is for reference only. Individual selection is not available.

Date: Circa 711-789 AD
Condition: Excellent condition.

In stock

SKU: LD-346 Category: Tag:

Tabaristan was in an ancient region located along the southern side of the Caspian Sea. The Sasanian coins were distinctive in that the royal headdress was always shown on one side and the fire alter with attendants on the other. Over time little changed to the coins, the king’s face was still depicted as human however the attendants became more stylised, much like these coins. The fire alter is a symbol of Zoroastrianism, the first religion known to be practised in western asiatic history. The first Sasanian ruler, Ardashir I, devoted himself to the religion and had the fire alter added to the coin. The coins served as a form of propaganda to promote both religious and political views. The view that the Sasanian king worshiped Ormazd, a supreme god especially in Zoroastrianism, and would protect the faith.

Weight 1.7 g
Dimensions W 2.4 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 1983,0429.1

You may also like…