Sassanian Empire – Khusro I Silver Half Drachm
Khosrow I Anushirvan | Bust & Sacred Fire Altar Type
A fascinating silver half drachm of Khusro I (Khosrow I), one of the greatest rulers of the Sassanian Empire. Known by the epithet Anushirvan (“of the immortal soul”), Khusro I ruled from 531 to 579 AD and presided over one of the most prosperous and influential periods of Sassanian history.
This small denomination provides an interesting example of the extensive silver coinage system that supported commerce throughout the Sassanian Empire.
Obverse
The obverse features the bust of Khusro I facing right, wearing his distinctive royal crown and elaborate headdress.
The carefully stylised royal portrait represents the emperor’s authority and follows the established artistic conventions of Sassanian coinage.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the characteristic Zoroastrian sacred fire altar, generally flanked by attendants.
The sacred fire was a central symbol of the Sassanian religious tradition and is one of the most recognisable features of Sassanian coinage.
Coin Details
Empire: Sassanian Empire
Ruler: Khusro I / Khosrow I
Epithet: Anushirvan
Reign: 531–579 AD
Period: 6th Century AD
Denomination: Half Drachm
Metal: Silver
Type: Bust & Fire Altar
Obverse: Bust of Khusro I facing right
Reverse: Sacred fire altar with attendants
Region: Ancient Persia
Historical Background
The Sassanian Empire was one of the great powers of Late Antiquity, ruling much of Iran and neighbouring territories and maintaining a long-standing rivalry with the Byzantine Empire.
The reign of Khusro I is often regarded as one of the high points of Sassanian civilisation. His administration, military reforms, economic policies and patronage of learning strengthened the empire and contributed to its cultural and intellectual achievements.
Sassanian silver coinage circulated widely across the empire and beyond its frontiers. The characteristic combination of the royal portrait on the obverse and sacred fire altar on the reverse makes these coins instantly recognisable and historically important.
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
- Sassanian Empire Coins
- Khusro I / Khosrow I
- Anushirvan Coinage
- Ancient Persian Silver Coins
- Sassanian Silver Drachms & Fractions
- Zoroastrian Coinage
- Ancient Middle Eastern Coins
- Late Antique Coinage
- 6th Century Historical Coins
Age of Coin: Approximately 1,450–1,500 years old.
A fascinating fractional silver issue from the reign of Khusro I, combining the emperor’s distinctive royal portrait with the iconic Zoroastrian sacred fire altar — a tangible piece of the history of ancient Persia.
