Lot 122: SASANIAN KINGS, Shapur II. 309-379 AD. PB (Lead) Unit. RRR.

SASANIAN KINGS, Shapur II. 309-379 AD. PB (Lead) Unit (3.42 gm; 15 mm). Standard issue with monogram consisting of crescent and cross in front of face, reverse, fire altar with attendants. Cross is a symbol used since pre- Achaemenid era in the region. The tombs of the Persian Achaemenid kings in Naqsh-e Rustam are in cross form carving on the mountain. As Imperial symbol Romans adopted the cross in their culture as the divine law from heaven (vertical element of cross) applied to the horizon (horizontal element of cross) of man. This meaning became apparent in their monumental architecture of Pantheon in Rome as well as crucifix element in execution of convicts originaly used by Phoenicians and later on Persians. Given the tumoltuous history of Christians at the time of Shapur II and final creation of Nestorian branch of Christianity proved Christians loyalty to Persia instead of Byzantium by doing this, friendlier relations between the court and the Christains within the Sasanian Empire was re-established, where they were not looked upon as the fifth column of the enemy. However the peace came to be shattered during Bahram V and Yazdgird II era. Choice VF. Exremely rare.

• Offered By: Pars Coins
• Lot #: 122
• Listing #: 518645
• Closed: Monday, November 21, 2022 11:40:20 AM CT
• Estimate: $125