Lot 3457

Description

Arab-Sassanian prototype issue, Khusru II (A.D. 590 - 627), silver drachm or dirhem, (4.132 grams), Darabgird mint, dated year 25? (A.D. 611), with word 'praise - good coin' in outer margin, (cf.Walker alpha [p.2] Plate I, alpha; cf.M.21; Sellwood type 62; Gobl 214). Golden blue tone, extremely fine and scarce.

Ex William B. Porter USA, Collection with his ticket. The typical Sassanian bust of this coin became the standard bust type of Islamic drachms with governor's names. This type with the additional word in the outer frame also becomes the model adopted by the Umaiyad Governors using this Sassanian coinage model for these issues.