© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Obol - Shapur I
| Silver | 0.69 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Sasanian Empire (Sasanian Empire (224-651)) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Shapur I (240-270) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 260-272 |
| Value | Obol (1⁄72) |
| Currency | Dinar (224 AD-651 AD) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.69 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | 3 o'clock ↑→ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#417890 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fire altar flanked by two attendants standing facing, turned outward, both wearing a mural crown.
Script: Inscriptional Pahlavi
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Obol coin of Shapur I is that it features an image of the king himself on one side, while the other side bears the symbol of the Faravahar, a winged disc that represents the ancient Persian god Ahura Mazda. This coinage was a significant departure from the traditional Roman-style coins that had been used in the region before, and it marked a shift towards a more distinctly Persian cultural identity.
