Caption

Drachma of Kavadh I (r. 488–496 and 498–531). Obverse: bust of Kavadh I facing right wearing a crown with a crescent and korymbos, a crescent on the front of his helmet, stars on both sides; short curly beard, curly hair tied back, earring, beads and long chain at his neck, ribbons flowing from behind his shoulders; crescents on both sides of the bust; outside the rim three crescents with a star in the center; Pahlavi legend. Reverse: fire altar; left of altar the ruler stands facing forward holding a barsomere, right of altar a priest stands facing forward holding a barsomere; star at top left, crescent at top right, signs/monograms on both sides; pearl rim; Pahlavi legend. Sassanid art; Persia (Iran); dated 488–497, 499–531. Coin: diameter 26.0 × 29.0 mm, weight 3.05 g.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A38_339

License type

Rights managed

Available size

65.0Mb (7.9Mb) / 15.9in x 15.9in / 4766 x 4766 (300dpi)

Keywords

Drachma Kavadh I r 488–496 498–531 Obverse bust facing right wearing crown crescent korymbos front helmet stars sides short curly beard curly hair tied back earring beads long chain neck ribbons flowing shoulders crescents outside rim three crescents star center Pahlavi legend Reverse fire altar left altar ruler stands forward holding barsomere right priest stands top left top right signs monograms pearl rim Sassanid art Persia Iran dated 488–497 499–531 Coin diameter weight 3.05 g circular metallic object worn uneven edge displaying carved central portrait low relief showing stylized human profile prominent facial features headdress portrait surrounded beaded scalloped circular border several small decorative motifs star- shapes crescent- elements placed inner circle surface scratches dents areas darker tarnish predominantly silver-gray color subtle variations shadows emphasize raised recessed details.