Arab-Sasanian Silver hemidrachm  – Ziyad ibn Abi Sufyan, Darabgird Mint (AH 43 / 663-664 AD, Struck AH 45-54 / 665-673 AD)
•frame : base silver 925 , rhodium plated . •Method of making - 3d wax printed - wax lost process.
•certificate of provenance and authenticity included
•leather cord included .
This silver drachm, issued under Ziyad ibn Abi Sufyan and struck between AH 45-54 (665-673 AD), is an exceptional example of Arab-Sasanian coinage. It reflects the political and cultural transition following the Islamic conquest of Persia, blending traditional Sasanian designs with early Islamic elements.
Description of the Coin
•Obverse:
•Bust of Khosrow II (590-628 AD) facing right, wearing a Sasanian-style crown and draped robes.
•Behind the head: “May his glory increase” in Pahlavi script, a continuation of Sasanian royal inscriptions.
•In front of the head: “Ziyad son of Abu Sufyan” in Pahlavi, identifying the Arab governor who issued the coin.
•Outer margin inscriptions:
•“Bism Allah” (“In the name of Allah”) in early Kufic script, marking one of the first Islamic influences on Persian coinage.
•Star-in-crescent motifs, a recurring feature in Sasanian and early Islamic coins.
•Triple pellets flanking the lowest star-in-crescent, adding to the artistic complexity.
•Reverse:
•Fire altar with ribbons, a sacred symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing religious continuity in Persian culture.
•Two attendants stand on either side of the altar, maintaining the traditional Sasanian coinage design.
•Above the flames: A star and crescent, a motif inherited from Sasanian iconography, possibly adapted for Islamic interpretations.
•Left field: The date (AH 43, frozen year) in Pahlavi, indicating the official year of the coin’s introduction.
•Right field: The mint mark DA (Darabgird) in Pahlavi script, identifying its place of issue.
Historical Context
This coin was struck under Ziyad ibn Abi Sufyan, a powerful Umayyad governor appointed by Caliph Mu’awiya I (661-680 AD). Ziyad played a crucial role in consolidating Umayyad control over Persia, particularly in the province of Fars, where Darabgird was an important minting center.
At this time, the Arab administration had not yet fully transitioned to an Islamic monetary system, so they continued to use Sasanian-style coins. However, the introduction of Arabic inscriptions such as “Bism Allah” marks the gradual integration of Islamic influences into Persian coinage.
Significance of This Coin
•Cultural Transition: A perfect example of Arab-Sasanian coinage, bridging the gap between the Sasanian Empire and Islamic rule.
•Religious Coexistence: The presence of Zoroastrian symbols (fire altar) alongside Islamic inscriptions (Bism Allah) demonstrates the gradual Islamization of Persia.
•Historical Importance: Issued under Ziyad ibn Abi Sufyan, a key figure in early Umayyad expansion in Persia.
•Artistic Influence: Maintains the high-relief artistry of Sasanian coins while incorporating new Islamic calligraphy and symbols.
Conclusion
This Arab-Sasanian silver drachm is a remarkable artifact from the 7th century, offering insight into the early Islamic administration in Persia. Its fusion of Sasanian imperial imagery with Islamic elements makes it a significant collectible for numismatists and historians studying the transitional period of Persian coinage.