Lot 161

Ancient World, Sasanian, Shapur II (309-379 AD), Silver Drachm, 3.85 gms, 22.04 mm, Obv. bust of king right, wearing crown, Pahlavi legend at right, Rev. Fire altar flanked by crowned attendants, crowned bust of Ahura Mazda emerging from flames, Shapur II also known as Shapur the Great, was the tenth Sasanian King of Kings (Shahanshah) of Iran. The longest-reigning monarch in Iranian history, he reigned for the entirety of his 70-year life, from 309 to 379. At the age of 16, Shapur II launched enormously successful military campaigns against Arab insurrections and tribes who knew him as "Dhu'l-Aktaf" (he who pierces shoulders), very fine, very rare.