Lot 216

Ancient World, Sasanian Dynasty, Shapur III (383-388 CE), Silver Drachm, 4.00 gms, 24.48 mm, Obverse: Bust of Shapur III right, wearing flat-top with korymbos, Reverse: Fire altar with ribbons and facing bust of Ahura Mazda in flames; flanked by two attendants, each wearing flat-topped crown with korymbos, Shapur III was one of the few Sasanian kings to mint coins of himself not wearing a crown and korymbos, but only a diadem. This demonstrates that the diadem was the most important headgear of the Sasanian king, very fine, very rare.