69 / 166
Tyrants of the Tigris & euphrates
169
Sasanian Empire
Silver Drachm (4.12 g, 22 mm), AD 276-293
Vahram (Bahram) II, Sasanian King, AD 276-293
Sunrise # 767 (this coin), SNS Type I/1, Gobl Type I/1. Superb Extremely Fine.
Mint: Unknown.
This silver drachm is one of the most beautiful specimens of its type. Both the mastery of the die engrav-
ing and the clear, concise legends make this example truly exceptional.
170
Sasanian Empire
Silver Drachm (4.33 g, 27 mm), AD 276-293
Vahram (Bahram) II, Sasanian King, AD 276-293
Sunrise # 791 (this coin), Triton XIV 1/4/11 # 471, Gobl Type X/3, SNS Type VII/5. Superb
Extremely Fine.
Mint: Unknown.
This is the first group portrait in Persian coinage, featuring the king and queen jugate right, facing the
crown prince. Bahram’s coinage was an important vehicle for propaganda, establishing the legitimacy
of his rule and that of his successor. Queen Buran, who ruled centuries later, is the only other queen
portrayed on the Sasanian coinage as a female. A third queen called Azarmidoxt was portrayed as a man.
It is also important to note variations in the crowns worn by the queen and the crown prince. The queen
is wearing the boar’s head crown while the crown prince wears the eagle’s head crown. The symbolism
behind these forms is not fully understood and has been subject of debate. It is possible, as suggested
by some historians, that the head gear was worn for religious ceremonies. Looking closely at this coin
and the essence of the crowns, one sees Victory (king), Strength (queen) and Aspiration (Crown prince).