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Tyrants of the Tigris & euphrates
173
Sasanian Empire
Gold Dinar (7.23 g, 20 mm), AD 303-309
Hormizd (Ohrmazd) II, Sasanian King, AD 303-309
Sunrise # 814 (this coin), SNS Type Ia/3d, Gobl Type I/1a. Extremely Fine.
Mint: Unknown.
Hormizd II son of Narseh ruled for eight years. The historian have commented that he governed with an
iron fist on his first several years alienating many. Thus he moderated his behavior and became far more
popular and goverend with fairness. He is also been recorded to be a big supporter of agriculture. In his
time Armenia became a Christian nation. Given the perpetual war between the Persians and Romans
over Armenia, Hormizd sought to improve his relation with Armenia in order to influence and counter
balance the alliance of Armenia with Rome. Hormizd gave his daughter Hormizddokht to the Armenian
prince and future king of Armenia. In terms of art of coinage, a new element was introduced to the
reverse of the coins and that was the image of a figure in the flame of the fire altar. Certainly the figure
within the sacred fire represent divinity. There are some record of the Sasanian royal temples having
underground chambers where choir or person can read and the voice through the opening of the fire alter
were heard as if it was coming from the fire!. The figure might represent such ritual but also symbolizing
the “divine voice of the sacred fire”. Hormizd II crown is also unusual as he wears winged eagle cap. The
eagle is holding a pearl symbolizing water. Due to this interpretation, the crown has been considered to
be a tribute to Persian and Armenian Goddess Anahit, the tall and beautiful maiden who was the God-
dess of water, fertility and youth. Given Anahit being a common Goddess between the Armenians and
Persians, and Hormizd II attempt to influence Armenia’s standing with Rome, affirms this interpretation.
174
Sasanian Empire
Silver Drachm (4.27 g, 28 mm), AD 303-309
Hormizd (Ohrmazd) II, Sasanian King, AD 303-309
Sunrise # 816, SNS Type Ia/3a, Gobl Type I/1a variant. Superb Extremely Fine.
The silver drachms of Hormizd II show interesting variations while maintaining the basic elements of his
predecessors’ coins. A rare variety of the silver drachm shows three pearls instead of one at the eagles’s
beak. Another extremely rare variety shows a double border around the field instead of the traditional
single border. The multiple border rings later became a standard feature of Sasanian coinage. Other
variations show the figure in the fire turning right or left. In addition, pellets appear on the reverse at
either side of the flame, or on the shaft of the fire altar, as we find on this coin. The purpose of the pellets
is not fully known.