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TYRANT COLLECTION
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193
Sasanian Empire
Silver Drachm (4.13g, 28 mm), AD 420-438
Vahram (Bahram) V, Sasanian King, AD 420-438
Sunrise # 922, SNS Type Ia/2, Gobl Type I/2. Extremely Fine.
Mint: ST (Istakhr).
An excellent example of silver drachm of Bahram V. The mint is noted on the reverse to the right of the
right attendant. The letters to the left of the left attendants which is W(a)R is for the king’s name first
two letters W(ah)R(am).
194
Sasanian Empire
Gold Light Dinar (4.14g, 21 mm), AD 438-457
Yazdgird (Yazdgard) II, Sasanian King, AD 438-457
Sunrise # 930, SNS Type Ic2/1, Gobl Type I/2. Superb Extremely Fine.
Mint: AW (Ohrmazd Ardashir) near present day city of Shushtar in southwest Iran.
Yazdgird II came to power after his father’s death. His reign also was peaceful similar to his father in
domestic front. However the dispute with Rome over Armenia continued to become a crisis. He be-
gan countering the progress of Christianity in Persia by persecution of Christians whom he conducted
accross the west as well as Armenia. His confrontation with Armenian leaders in the battle of Avarayr
though successful created a major Armenian natinoalistic legend that has lasted to this day and is remem-
berd by Armenians in ceremonies and literature. Historian have recorded Yazdgird II personal conduct
as aloof and detached keeping the nobility at arms length but clever enough to strike the right cord with
priesthood in order to remain in power. Another major achievemnt of Yazdgird II was the construction of
the “Caspian Gates” in the City of Derbent (also know as Darband in present day Republic of Azerbay-
jan). This defensive fortification which portions of it have survived to this day was considered a marvel
of engineering that stopped the nomadic tribes from boat landing on the Caspian coast.This extremely
rare Dinar indicate a standard rendition of his portrait on the obverse. The reverse of his coin is known to
collectors and experts as the “Prayer” type reverse, showing the attendants rasing their hands in respect
to the holy flames.