Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Islamic Auction 3 27 Apr 2023
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Pre-reform issues, Arab-Sasanian. In the name of Yazdigerd III. AR Drachm (32.1mm, 4.08 g, 7h). SK (Sistan) mint. Dated YE 20 - AH 31 (AD 651/2). Obverse margin: - / lillah APD / - / - / Malek, Arab-Sasanian 952; SICA 1, -; Album -. Good VF. Extremely rare.
On this very early type the Pahlawi word APD, meaning 'excellent', follows the word lillah in the obverse margin. This word is also often seen, similarly positioned, on drachms of Khusraw II, but is not found on the coins of Yazdigerd III which this type copies. It should, therefore, be regarded as a deliberate addition to the Arabic marginal legend rather than something left over from a Sasanian prototype. APD is presumably the Pahlawi equivalent of the Arabic jayyid, which also appears in the margin of some rare early drachms of both Khusraw II and Yazdigerd III types struck in this year.
On this very early type the Pahlawi word APD, meaning 'excellent', follows the word lillah in the obverse margin. This word is also often seen, similarly positioned, on drachms of Khusraw II, but is not found on the coins of Yazdigerd III which this type copies. It should, therefore, be regarded as a deliberate addition to the Arabic marginal legend rather than something left over from a Sasanian prototype. APD is presumably the Pahlawi equivalent of the Arabic jayyid, which also appears in the margin of some rare early drachms of both Khusraw II and Yazdigerd III types struck in this year.