CVC & Collectables presents this silver drachm of Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire, struck between AD 223/4 and 240. Minted at Ctesiphon, the imperial capital, this historically important coin features Ardashir’s right-facing diademed bust and a reverse depicting the sacred fire altar, a central Zoroastrian symbol. Certified XF by NGC, this example displays excellent detail and strong surfaces — a high-grade survivor from the dawn of Sasanian imperial power.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Ardashir I, founder of the Sasanian Empire
- Reign: AD 223/4–240
- Denomination: AR Drachm
- Mint: Ctesiphon
- Weight: 4.05 grams
- Metal: Silver
- Grade: NGC XF
- Reference: Sunrise 713; Göbl I/1; MACW 871
Obverse: Diademed bust of Ardashir I facing right, wearing a tight-fitting headdress with a korymbos (topknot), no earflaps. Distinctive Sasanian-style portrait with stylized hair and regal profile.
Reverse: Central fire altar, flanked by attendants (sometimes off-flan depending on strike). A single pellet appears below, typical of early Ardashir issues. The altar represents Zoroastrian religious authority — integral to the Sasanian state religion and a symbol of divine legitimacy.
Collectibility:
Coins of Ardashir I are highly sought after due to his role as the first Sasanian emperor and his coins’ stylistic transition from Parthian to Sasanian art. This NGC XF example features:
- Clear bust detail and bold fire altar design
- An issue from Ctesiphon, the Sasanian capital
- Historical importance as a foundational coin of Persian imperial history
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