Lot 4837

Description

Sasanian King, Artashir, I (A.D. 224-242), silver drachm, type III, (4.28 grams), obv. legend around, "The Mazda worshipper, the divine Ardashir, the king of kings of Iran who is descended from the Gods" in Pahlavi, bearded crowned bust of king to right, rev. "Fire of Ardashir" in Pahlavi, fire altar with ribbons no attendants, legend around, (Sellwood type III, No.10, Paruck 37, Gobl III/2/2, Alram 673, M.789). Toned, nearly extremely fine, scarce in this condition.

Ardashir in holding his new territories took the above title as seen on this coin. To legitimize his seizure of the throne, he married one of the Arsacid princesses. In addition he claimed descent from the Persian king Darius, and tried to recreate the great Achaemenid empire. He invaded the Roman province of Syria in 230 A.D. provoked the young emperor, Severus Alexander. The two armies met in 232 AD, in a battle in which both sides sustained such heavy losses such that each was compelled to withdraw. The removal of the Roman forces allowed Ardashir to consolidate his new holdings in Armenia. At his death in 240 AD, Ardashir had established a new and significant threat to the Roman east. With his defeat and capture of Valerian his son, and successor, Shahpur I, became an even greater menance to the Roman east.