Watch List notes:

SASANIAN KINGS. Ardashir I, 223/4-240. Hemidrachm (Silver, 19 mm, 2.00 g, 3 h), Mint B (Hamadan). MZDYSN BGY 'RTHŠTR MRKAN MRKA 'YR'N MNW CTRY MN YZD'N ('Worshipper of Lord Mazda, 'God' Ardashir, King of Kings of Iran who has lineage from the Gods' in Pahlawi) Draped bust of Ardashir I to right, wearing diadem and close-fitting headdress with korymbos and no earflaps. Rev. NWRA ZY 'RTHŠTR ('Fire of Ardashir' in Pahlawi) Fire altar with diadems. SNS I, pl. 15, 215. Beautifully toned. Very fine.


From the collection of Augustin de Loye (1816-1898), curator of the Calvet library and Museum in Avignon.