AD c. 457-484 Sasanian Empire Peroz I AR Drachm, NGC XF

This is a beautiful relic of ancient Persia, from the Sasanian Empire (what is now Iran and Iraq) of about 1,500 years ago. This silver Sasanian drachm features intricate design both obverse and reverse.

Another tale of sibling rivalry, Peroz I took power from his older brother by force when his father refused to name an heir. His kingdom stretched from the west coast of Pakistan, up through what is now all of Iran and almost all of Iraq, all the way down the coast of the Persian Gulf around to what is now Dubai. This era was not just an era of power struggles, factions and wars (as were all places in the world at this time), but also of famine. It was a difficult reign and as most Kings and emperors, he was killed in battle after just 8 years (or from a different perspective, after a whole 8 years) at the helm.

The example of silver Sasanian drachm we offer you today is surely exquisite and inexpensive by almost all measures.