I had a Hormizd IV that was lower grade that I parted with only because I decided to upgrade to one in better shape at the same price I got my old. It took almost a month to arrive from the UK, but glad it did. I was also attracted to the nose area, looking like a snot/sneeze through the nose. Ohrmazd (Hormizd) IV (579-590 A.D.) AR Drachm O: Facing bust, head right, wearing crown with tassel to left and surmounted by crescent with vertical lines; single-dotted border, crescent with star at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. R: Fire altar with two attendants, wearing tall headgear, inside single-dotted border; no marks outside border. GW (Gurgan) mint, dated regnal year 9 = 587/8 CE. 32mm 4.1g Göbl, Sasanian Numismatics, Hormizd IV, crown type I, reverse type 1
While I am not a supporter of the theory we only should have just one coin of a ruler, right now I only have one Hormizd IV. Grading these coins, IMO, is largely based on the strike clarity particularly of the mint and date information. Most will have a weak, flat spot somewhere on the reverse. I was attracted to mine because that weak spot did not affect either legend.
Here's my Hormizd IV, I think it's good enough. Sassaniden. AR drachme Hormizd IV (579-590). Jaar 8 (=586), Darabgard. 29.5-31 mm, 4.09 gr. Checked it in Karlsson. And a Hunnic imitation: AR drachm, ‘Yabghu of Tokharestan’ type, 7th century. Good silver imitation of a drachm of Hormizd IV. Obv. ‘Hormizd IV’ to the right, his name coarsely written, his crown altered. Countermarks: 1. winged camel, 2. vague text. Rev. fire altar with attendants, unreadable text. Countermark: 3. (Pahlavi?) text. 32,5 mm, 2.88 gr. Göbl? Zeno #168247, 162881, 162876, 162875.
I have are some Hunnic imitations that came in a large lot. I think the one below is typical: "Phromo Kesaro" Hephthalites or Nezak Huns ca. Mid 8th Century Imitating Hormazd IV from Balkh Mint, Regnal Year 11 32 mm, 3.5g. Obverse: Crowned Sasanian-style bust, facing right. Countermark (at 3:00): Stylized human head, facing left, in profile, with tamgha. Reverse: Fire altar, with attendants on either side. Mint mark on right, regnal year ("11", blundered) on left. Countermark (at 7:00): "ΦRORO" in Baktrian.
