Sasanian Empire Silver Drachm of Shapur II (about 1,650-1,600 years ago)
This silver drachm was issued during the reign of King Shapur II, the longest-reigning monarch in Persian history who ruled the Sasanian Empire (centered in modern Iran) for his entire 70-year life from 309 to 379 CE. This coin represents the resurgent power of Persian civilization during its first golden era following Roman domination.
Coin Description:
Front side: Features a rightward-facing bust of Shapur II wearing an elaborate crown with ribbons and a globe above, his distinctive beard styled in the royal Persian manner, and detailed clothing with pearl borders.
Back side: Depicts a fire altar (the central symbol of Zoroastrianism, the state religion) with attendants on either side. Pahlavi script surrounding the image gives the king's name and titles.
Technical Details:
Material: Silver
Denomination: Drachm (standard silver unit in the Sasanian monetary system)
Minting date/period: 309-379 CE (approximately 1,650-1,600 years ago)
Condition: Varies by specimen
Historical Significance:
This coin represents the military and cultural resurgence of the Sasanian Empire under Shapur II, who expanded Persian territory and successfully challenged Roman dominance in the Middle East. Born posthumously to his father Hormizd II, Shapur was crowned while still in his mother's womb and ruled for his entire 70-year life. Along with Shapur I and Khosrow I, he is regarded as one of the greatest Sasanian monarchs, presiding over a golden age of Persian culture, religious development, and imperial power that would influence the entire region for centuries.
This silver drachm was issued during the reign of King Shapur II, the longest-reigning monarch in Persian history who ruled the Sasanian Empire (centered in modern Iran) for his entire 70-year life from 309 to 379 CE. This coin represents the resurgent power of Persian civilization during its first golden era following Roman domination.
Coin Description:
Front side: Features a rightward-facing bust of Shapur II wearing an elaborate crown with ribbons and a globe above, his distinctive beard styled in the royal Persian manner, and detailed clothing with pearl borders.
Back side: Depicts a fire altar (the central symbol of Zoroastrianism, the state religion) with attendants on either side. Pahlavi script surrounding the image gives the king's name and titles.
Technical Details:
Material: Silver
Denomination: Drachm (standard silver unit in the Sasanian monetary system)
Minting date/period: 309-379 CE (approximately 1,650-1,600 years ago)
Condition: Varies by specimen
Historical Significance:
This coin represents the military and cultural resurgence of the Sasanian Empire under Shapur II, who expanded Persian territory and successfully challenged Roman dominance in the Middle East. Born posthumously to his father Hormizd II, Shapur was crowned while still in his mother's womb and ruled for his entire 70-year life. Along with Shapur I and Khosrow I, he is regarded as one of the greatest Sasanian monarchs, presiding over a golden age of Persian culture, religious development, and imperial power that would influence the entire region for centuries.
This silver drachm was issued during the reign of King Shapur II, the longest-reigning monarch in Persian history who ruled the Sasanian Empire (centered in modern Iran) for his entire 70-year life from 309 to 379 CE. This coin represents the resurgent power of Persian civilization during its first golden era following Roman domination.
Coin Description:
Front side: Features a rightward-facing bust of Shapur II wearing an elaborate crown with ribbons and a globe above, his distinctive beard styled in the royal Persian manner, and detailed clothing with pearl borders.
Back side: Depicts a fire altar (the central symbol of Zoroastrianism, the state religion) with attendants on either side. Pahlavi script surrounding the image gives the king's name and titles.
Technical Details:
Material: Silver
Denomination: Drachm (standard silver unit in the Sasanian monetary system)
Minting date/period: 309-379 CE (approximately 1,650-1,600 years ago)
Condition: Varies by specimen
Historical Significance:
This coin represents the military and cultural resurgence of the Sasanian Empire under Shapur II, who expanded Persian territory and successfully challenged Roman dominance in the Middle East. Born posthumously to his father Hormizd II, Shapur was crowned while still in his mother's womb and ruled for his entire 70-year life. Along with Shapur I and Khosrow I, he is regarded as one of the greatest Sasanian monarchs, presiding over a golden age of Persian culture, religious development, and imperial power that would influence the entire region for centuries.
