Lot 240: SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II (AD 590-628). AR Drachm. RRR.

SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau (Husrav) II (AD 590-628). AR Drachm (4.00 gm; 33 mm). Facing bust of Khosrau II, wearing mural crown with two wings and star-in-crescent, ribbons on shoulders; "GDH" to upper left followed by pharse "APZUTI", phrase "Husrav, Malkan Malka" (Khosrau, king of kings) to the right, star-in-crescents flanking crown; double border, star-in-crescents in margin / Facing bust of Anahit with flame nimbus; double inner border and single outer border, star-in-crescents in between, year 37 (official Last year of reign) on the left, phrase "Airan, Apzut hwdynk" (Khosrau increased the good religion of Iran-Gyselen, Mint: Susa(?) Malek, Khusrau -; Göbl type IV/5; Mochiri 917; Paruck -; Saeedi 277; Sunrise 988var. Choice EF. Lightly toned. "Extremely rare facing forward of Khosrau II is one of the most important coins of the Sasanian series. Examples of years 21 (Sellwood), 23(Sunrise)(Amini), 27(Gobl), 28(Saeedi) 35 (Sareedi), 36(Gobl), are recorded. According to Gobl this series began to be minted at the height of war with Byzantium until the last year of the reign which is 37 eventhough examples of standard drachms are recorded for years 38 and also 39. In year 37 of reign, Byzantine counter offensive was in full swing and wars were being fought inside Persian soil-mainland for the first time in decades. Khosrau's totaliterian rule came to an end as he was arrested while leaving the Capital to a safer location (Tabari). Short while later Khosrau's alienated generals as well as other aristocrats and religious leaders with the aid of Khosrau's son (Shiroy-Kavad II) deposed and executed the king of kings. Within 4 years of his death, Arab forces energized by their new religion of Islam overthrew the Sasanian dynasty".

• Offered By: Pars Coins
• Lot #: 240
• Listing #: 535939
• Closed: Monday, December 19, 2022 12:19:40 PM CT
• Estimate: $8,000