Hormizd (Ohrmazd) II, Sasanian King AD 303-309

Sunrise # 816, SNS Type Ia/3a, Gobl Type I/1a variant, Superb Extremely Fine

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The silver drachms of Hormizd II show interesting variations while maintaining the basic elements of his predecessors’ coins. A rare variety of the silver drachm shows three pearls instead of one at the eagles’s beak. Another extremely rare variety shows a double border around the field instead of the traditional single border. The multiple border rings later became a standard feature of Sasanian coinage. Other variations show the figure in the fire turning right or left. In addition, pellets appear on the reverse at either side of the flame, or on the shaft of the fire altar, as we find on this coin. The purpose of the pellets is not fully known.