1500 yr old large silver coin (about the size of a half dollar) minted in Ancient Persia during the time of the Sasanian Empire, circa 550-650 A.D.

The period of Sasanian rule was a high point in Iranian civilization characterized by a complex and centralized government bureaucracy, and revitalized Zoroastrianism.  The Sasanians were contemporaries of the late roman empire and early byzantine empire.  Their civilization played a large role in geopolitics during the time of Justinian the Great.

 

Their silver drachms were unique in their design because they were struck on unusually large and thin flans.  Sources have suggested that at least some of these coins were manufactured by hammering older Greek and roman coins flat and then restriking their design.  These coins are sometimes called “viking coins” in parts of Europe because large numbers of them have been found in buried in Scandinavia, a testament to their importance in Viking trade with the Middle East.

*All coins are guaranteed authentic.  The coin in the pictures is the coin you will receive.  Please use your own judgement with regards to grade and attribution as these represent opinions and are not guaranteed.