PREVIEW: ANCIENT COINS AND ANTIQUITIES 8 MARCH

The Sasanian or Neo-Persian Empire succeeded the Parthian Empire and was the immediate predecessor of the Muslim early conquests 7th-8th century AD.

Named after the House of Sasan, it lasted for four centuries and re-established the Persians as a major power alongside the Roman Empire. At its greatest extent, the empire encompassed all modern-day Iraq and Iran, as well as parts of Anatolia and Egypt, stretching as far as modern-day Pakistan.

 

This coin dates to the reign of Shapur I (240-272), the second Sasanian King of Kings of Iran, whose many military victories against the Romans are honoured in The Great Inscription of Shapur I, dating to c.262 AD, carved on the Ka’ba-ye Zartosht, a stone structure located in the Naqsh-e Rustam necropolis north-west of Persepolis.

This gold dinar of Shapur I is a highlight of Noonans’ Ancient Coins and Antiquities auction of 8 March, with an estimate of £3,000-4,000.