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TYRANT COLLECTION
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177
Sasanian Empire
Gold Dinar(7.20 g, 17.5 mm), AD 309-379
Shapur II (Also known as “The Great”), Sasanian King, AD 309-379
Sunrise # 838 (this coin), SNS type Ib1/2a, Saeedi AV 47. Superb Extremely Fine.
Mint: Marv. Mint is noted on the reverse on the right side of fire alter base with the abbreviations of
Pahlavi letters “MRWN”.
This gold dinar, preserved in superb condition, was minted in the City of Marv (in the modern Republic
of Turkmenistan). Marv was the administrative capital of the eastern Sasanian empire. The city remained
a thriving political, economic and intellectual center until its destruction at the hands of the Mongols in
13th century. The city recovered and repopulated a decade later as a new town next to the ruins of the
ancient city. It was finally absorbed into the Russian Czarist and Soviet Empires. The Soviets staged
most of their operations in Afghanistan from this city. The ancient ruins of the city, including its forti-
fications, remind us of its glorious past. One of the very interesting features of this coin is the return of
the fire altar without attendants, which was first used on the coins of Ardashir I. The exact reason for the
re-use of this symbol is unknown. More than likely it harks back to the glorious memory of the founder
of the empire Ardashir I who made Zoroastrianism the official religion of the Sasanian state. Shapur’s
commitment to strengthening the Zoroastrian religion against other religions, primarily Christianty, may
likewise account for the re-introduction of this type.
178
Sasanian Empire
Silver Drachm (4.18 g, 26 mm), AD 309-379
Shapur II (Also known as “The Great”), Sasanian King, AD 309-379
Sunrise # 827 (this coin), SNS Type Ib/3a, Gobl Type Ia/1a. Superb Extremely Fine.
Mint: Ctesiphon.
A fine example of a silver drachm of Shapur II.