Khosrow II, 591-628, Drachm

Khosrow II, Drachm, AR, reign of 591-628, uncertain mint, weighing 4.22g. The obverse features a right-facing bust of Khosrow II, distinguished by a mural crown adorned with a frontal crescent, two wings, and a star-in-crescent motif. The shoulders are decorated with ribbons and crescents, and flanking the crown are stars. The design is circumscribed by a double border with four star-in-crescents in the margin. The reverse depicts a fire altar with ribbons, flanked by two attendants and further embellished by stars and crescents flanking the flames, again circumscribed within a triple border and additional star-in-crescents in the margin. The strike is characteristic of the period, with details sharply rendered. References align with Gobl type II/3.

Khosrow II, also known as Khosrow Parviz, ruled the Sasanian Empire at a time of significant territorial expansion and cultural flourishing. His reign marked the apogee of Sasanian military power, with notable campaigns against the Byzantine Empire, ultimately capturing Jerusalem and Egypt. Despite his initial success, his reign ended in political turmoil and was followed by the Islamic conquests. Coins from this era, such as this drachm, serve as valuable historical artifacts, reflecting not only the imperial iconography but also the ceremonial importance of Zoroastrianism as depicted by the fire altar motif.