Sassanian Empire – Khusru II Silver Drachm
Darabgard Mint | c. 590–627 AD | Ancient Persian Coinage
A historically important silver drachm of Khusru II (Khosrow II) of the Sassanian Empire, attributed to the Darabgard mint. Dating to the late 6th or early 7th century AD, this coin represents the sophisticated monetary tradition of one of the most powerful empires of the ancient Near East.
Khusru II, also known as Khosrow II Parviz, was one of the greatest rulers of the Sassanian Empire, reigning from approximately 590 to 627 AD.
Obverse
The obverse features the royal bust of Khusru II facing right, wearing his distinctive elaborate crown and royal ornaments.
The carefully rendered portrait and elaborate headdress are characteristic of Sassanian royal coinage and serve as a powerful representation of imperial authority.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the characteristic Zoroastrian sacred fire altar, flanked by attendants.
This religious imagery is one of the defining features of Sassanian coinage and reflects the importance of Zoroastrianism within the Sassanian state.
Mint and regnal-year markings around the design provide important information regarding the coin’s place and period of production.
Coin Details
Empire: Sassanian Empire
Ruler: Khusru II (Khosrow II)
Reign: c. 590–627 AD
Period: Late 6th–Early 7th Century AD
Mint: Darabgard
Denomination: Silver Drachm
Metal: Silver
Type: Sassanian Silver Coinage
Obverse: Bust of Khusru II facing right
Reverse: Sacred fire altar flanked by attendants
Region: Ancient Persia
Historical Significance
The Sassanian Empire was one of the dominant powers of Late Antiquity, ruling a vast territory centred on Persia and maintaining prolonged political and military rivalry with the Byzantine Empire.
The reign of Khusru II marked the final great period of Sassanian imperial expansion. His armies achieved remarkable successes against the Byzantine Empire before the subsequent reversal of fortunes ultimately contributed to the weakening of the empire.
Sassanian silver drachms circulated extensively across the empire and beyond its borders, making them important evidence of the extensive economic and commercial networks of the period.
The Darabgard mint attribution adds an important geographical dimension to the coin, connecting this specimen with the monetary production of the Persian province associated with ancient Darabgard.
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
- Sassanian Empire Coinage
- Khusru II / Khosrow II
- Ancient Persian Silver Coins
- Sassanian Silver Drachms
- Darabgard Mint Issues
- Zoroastrian Coinage
- Ancient Middle Eastern Coins
- Late Antique Coinage
- Persian Imperial History
Age of Coin: Approximately 1,400–1,450 years old.
A fascinating ancient Sassanian silver drachm of Khusru II, combining the powerful royal portrait of one of Persia’s greatest monarchs with the iconic Zoroastrian fire altar and the historical significance of the Darabgard mint.
