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coin
Object Type
coin
Museum number
1915,0108.10
Denomination
tetradrachm
(double struck on reverse)
Description
Silver coin.
(whole)
Bearded bust of Vadfradad I facing right, with long moustache. Frataraka wears kyrbasia tied with diadem, chin flap, earflap and earring. Dotted border.
(obverse)
Fire-temple with double panelled doors. The temple is set on a podium, framed by pilasters and an architrave, and topped with three horned (or flowering?) battlements. On the left, Vadfradad I faces right toward altar wearing kyrbasia and kandys, with one arm raised and the other supporting a bow. On the right, a tassled standard is placed. A winged figure (possibly representing Ahuramazda or the khvarnah/kingly glory) hovers above the scene, facing the frataraka. Dotted border.
(reverse)
Authority
Issuer:
Vadfradad I
(Frataraka of Persis)
Production date
3rdC BC
(circa)
Production place
Minted in:
Persis (historic - region)
Materials
silver
Dimensions
Die-axis:
7 o'clock
Diameter:
33 millimetres
Weight:
16.33 grammes
$Inscriptions
Bibliographic references
BMC Greek (Arabia) / Catalogue of the Greek coins of Arabia, Mesopotamia and Persia (Nabataea, Arabia Provincia, S Arabia, Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Assyria, Persia, Alexandrine Empire of the East, Persis, Elymais, Characene)
(1, p.200)
Klose & Müseler 2008 / Statthalter Rebellen Könige - Die Münzen aus Persepolis von Alexander dem Großen zu den Sasaniden
(Type 2/17, p.37)
Alram 1986 / Iranisches Personennamenbuch: Nomina Propria Iranica in Nummis
(Type 533, p.168)
Location
Not on display
Subjects
ruler
temple
fire altar
zoroastrian divine being
Associated names
Portrait of:
Vadfradad I
Named in inscription:
Vadfradad I
Representation of:
Mozdooano
(Winged figure possibly represents instead the khvarnah/kingly glory.)
Acquisition name
Purchased from:
Lt A R Prideaux
(From the collection of the late Colonel W F Prideaux.)
Previous owner
Previous owner/ex-collection:
Col W F Prideaux
Acquisition date
1915
Department
Money and Medals
Registration number
1915,0108.10