Watch List notes:

SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau I, 531-579. Drachm (Silver, 30 mm, 3.46 g, 4 h), GD (Gay), RY 48 = AD 579. Draped bust of Khosrau I to right, wearing mural crown with fronted crescent, korymbos set on crescent; behind head, AFZUT ('may he increase' in Pahlawi) before head, HWSRWD ('Khosrau' in Pahlawi); in outer margin, countermark of the mythical bird senmurv. Rev. Fire altar flanked by two attendants; in upper left field, six-pointed star; in upper right field, crescent; to left, date; to right, GD (name of the mint in Pahlawi). SSCT 733. Nicely toned and with an interesting countermark. About very fine.


Ex Leu Web Auction 16, 22-24 May 2021, 1721.

The countermark on this interesting drachm from the last year of Khosrau's I long reign shows the mythical bird called senmurv.