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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;medoraman, post: 4671467, member: 26302&quot;]Usually when a nation strikes massively debased coinage it is because of major stress, enemy at gates, losing a major war, famine, etc. I have never heard of one issuing such coins when everything was going terrifically. Well, here is one. </p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1151412[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;SASANIAN KINGS. Shahpur I. AD. 240-272. AE Drachm (3.68 gm; 24 mm). Pellet on obverse behind the crown. Sunrise 741var. Choice Good VF / VF. Dark brown reddish patina. Not in Sunrise, most likely overstruck on a Roman Antoniniaus. Rare</p><p><br /></p><p>This coin is fairly common in silver. It will weigh around 4.3 grams, and very well regulated at that. However, this one is clearly light for the issue at 3.68 grams, and very copper to boot. The key here is its around 95% copper, 5% silver. This coin was struck when the Persian armies were marching on the Roman East, took the Roman emperor Valerian prisoner, etc. It seems Shapur did not feel the Roman territories he took over really deserved the good silver coinage he provided to his empire, since they were being given 95% copper, silver washed pieces of crud instead. So, Shapur simply overstruck the Roman coins with his design and placed them in circulation. </p><p><br /></p><p>Anyone else ever heard of a &quot;reverse emergency money&quot; like this? </p><p><br /></p><p>Btw, I saw the name of underbidder and thought I recognized it here. I am sorry if I overbid you, but in the heat of auction, not knowing if other bidders, etc. I had to bid. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie3" alt=":(" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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