I've had this Sassanid Drachm for years, and up until recently, it had languished unattributed. For the most part, I've narrowed it down to either Khurso II or Hormazd VI along with tentatively identifying the mint as Istakhr (Persepolis). However, I've had considerable trouble narrowing down the regnal year and I would appreciate any assistance from anyone willing to offer it. Obverse Reverse
I agree it's probably ST mint -Persepolis I think you can bring this down to 2 options year 13 or 16... And imo I'm leaning towards year 13...
The king is definitely Khusro II, the name in front of his portrait is tolerably clear (at least by Sasanian Pahlavi standards). Mintmark is indeed ST (Istakhr). Year is not very clear, but my best guess is Year 5.
......Interesting? I can't see year 5 am I missing something? I'm seeing this?......13.....or a slight possibility of 16 but I don't think so...
Actually, your idea makes a lot more sense. I think I was misinterpreting part of the attendant's leg as part of the date, and trying to connect it to the front part of the date, which naturally didn't work out so well... Take-home lesson: Pahlavi inscriptions are hard, y'all.
..Completely agree!...I actually started off the same as you and after about 20 mins realised it was the clothing of the attendant! @Bradley Trotter.....It's a nicely toned coin...I have one of his 2nd reign coins...Mint SK - SISTAN, Zarang Khusro II AR Drachm. Obverse..Bust right, wearing mural crown with frontal crescent, two wings, and star-in-crescent, ribbons and crescents on shoulders; monogram behind head, stars flanking crown, double border, star-in-crescents in margin. Reverse..Fire altar with ribbons; flanked by two attendants; date in Pahlavi to left, mint to right. SK (SISTAN, Zarang) mint, dated RY 37 (AD 628). Göbl II/3, Pl. no. 212. 4.14g, 33mm, 2h.Extremely Fine.
