Lot 3198

Description

Sasanian King, Artashir, I (A.D. 224-242), silver half drachm, type I, (1.454 grams), obv. bearded facing bust of king, wearing close-fitting headress with ear flaps, legend around, rev. profile bust of father Papak to left, legend around, (Sellwood type I, Plate I, 2 [£1000], Gobl 3, M.-). Uneven tone, chip in edge, fine and very rare.

This the first issue of the Sasanian rulers was short lived and soon replaced by the regular fire altar type reverse. Only a few examples are known.