Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 24 3-6 Dec 2022
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ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. al-Walid I ibn 'Abd al-Malik, AH 86-96 / AD 705-715. Pashiz (Bronze, 24 mm, 0.95 g, 12 h), anonymous Arab-Sasanian type, derived from the 'Anahita' issue of Khosrau II, without mint name, circa AH 81-101 = AD 700-720. Draped bust resembling Khosrau II facing, wearing elaborate and winged mural crown; to left, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); to right, HWSRWD ('Khosrau' in Pahlawi). Rev. Draped bust of Anahita wearing a flame nimbus around the head; to left, illegible legend; to right, HWSRWD ('Khosrau' in Pahlawi). Album N41. Gyselen 65. SICA I, -. Holed and with minor nicks, otherwise, about very fine.
R. Gyselen questions the widely accepted identification of the bust on the reverse as a representation of the goddess Anahita. In his opinion, it is much more likely 'a male divinity with a strong relationship to the Holy Zoroastrian Fire' (Gyselen, Arab-Sasanian, p. 32).
R. Gyselen questions the widely accepted identification of the bust on the reverse as a representation of the goddess Anahita. In his opinion, it is much more likely 'a male divinity with a strong relationship to the Holy Zoroastrian Fire' (Gyselen, Arab-Sasanian, p. 32).