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TYRANT COLLECTION
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Sasanian Empire
Silver Drachm (4.21 g, 25 mm), Circa AD 272-273
Hormizd (Ohrmazd) I, Sasanian King, AD 272-273
Sunrise # 749 (this coin), SNS Type Ia/2b, Gobl TypeI/1. Superb Extremely Fine.
Mint: Ctesiphon(?).
Hormizd I, son of Shapur I reigned for only a year. The circumstances surrounding his death are un-
known and have been attributed to illness as well as assassination. Like his father, he was a strong
supporter of Mani and allowed him to preach his religion. His support of Mani might have been with the
intent to curtail the growing power of the Zoroastrian priesthood. Jaami, the medieval Persian poet, tells
the story of Hormizd I being the first king to ban the royal household from participating in the mercantile
trade in order to provide a level playing field for the merchants. The symbol on the right shoulder of the
king is the“Faravahar” which is similar to the Egyptian ankh and symbolizes the benevelent power of
God and immortality. The name Hormizd is an abbreviatied form of Ahuramazda, the good and wise
Zoroastrian Lord. The foundation of the city of Ram-Hormizd on Persian Gulf coast of Iran has been
attributed to him and some believe the city is also the resting place of this king. Today, Ram-Hormizd is
a major hub of oil export operations.