Caption

Drachma of Kavadh I (ruler of Persia; 488–496 and 498–531). Obverse: bust of Kavadh I facing right; crown with ribbons decorated with a crescent and korymbos, a crescent in front, and two stars on either side of the crown; short curly beard, curly hair tied back, an earring in one ear, beads and a long chain on the neck, ribbons flowing from behind the shoulders, crescents on either side of the bust; outside the rim three crescents with a star in the center; Pahlavi legend. Reverse: fire altar; on the left the ruler facing forward with a sword in his hand, on the right a priest facing forward holding a sword; top left a star, top right a crescent, signs/monograms on both sides; pearl rim; Pahlavi legend. Sassanid art; Sassanid Kingdom; Iran/Persia; motifs: crescent with a star, crowns, busts, swords, altars, moons, korymbos. Date: 488–497, 499–531. Coin: diameter 26.0 × 29.0 mm; weight 4.07 g.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A38_325

License type

Rights managed

Available size

66.2Mb (9.7Mb) / 16.0in x 16.0in / 4809 x 4809 (300dpi)

Keywords

Drachma Kavadh I ruler Persia 488–496 498–531 Obverse bust facing right crown ribbons decorated crescent korymbos front two stars side short curly beard curly hair tied back earring ear beads long chain neck ribbons flowing shoulders crescents outside rim three crescents star center Pahlavi legend Reverse fire altar left forward sword hand priest forward holding top left top right signs monograms sides pearl rim Sassanid art Sassanid Kingdom Iran motifs crowns busts swords altars moons Date 488–497 499–531 Coin diameter weight 4.07 g circular metallic object irregular edge primarily silver-gray color showing raised central design within beaded circular border central area features vertical carved form flanked tall slender decorative elements grouped ornamental shapes varied textures shallow relief across surface areas darker gray patina rim.