coin

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Object Type: coin
Museum number: OR.10408
Denomination: drachm
Description: Silver coin. (whole); Bearded bust of unknown king (I) facing right, with moustache, wearing kyrbasia tied with diadem, and earring; an eagle with wings outstretched perches on the king's kyrbasia, and a crescent moon hangs behind. (obverse); Fire-temple with double panelled doors. The temple is set on a podium, framed by pilasters and an architrave, and topped with three-stepped battlements. On the left, Unknown King I faces right toward altar wearing kyrbasia and kandys with one arm raised. On the right, a tassled standard is placed with an eagle perched on top. A winged figure (possibly representing Ahuramazda or the khvarnah/kingly glory) hovers above the scene, facing the king. (reverse)
Authority: Ruler: Darius I (?)
Cultures/periods: Parthian
Production date: 2ndC BC (circa)
Production place: Minted in: Persis (historic - region)
Materials: silver
Dimensions: Die-axis: 8 o'clock; Diameter: 17 millimetres; Weight: 4.07 grammes
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) (4, p.201); Klose & Müseler 2008 / Statthalter Rebellen Könige - Die Münzen aus Persepolis von Alexander dem Großen zu den Sasaniden (Type 3/5, p.44); Alram 1986 / Iranisches Personennamenbuch: Nomina Propria Iranica in Nummis (Type 551, p.171)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: king/queen; temple; fire altar; zoroastrian divine being; bird; moon
Associated names: Representation of: Mozdooano (Winged figure possibly represents instead the khvarnah/kingly glory.)
Acquisition name: Purchased from: Dr Lubiez
Acquisition date: 1891
Department: Money and Medals
Registration number: OR.10408
C&M catalogue number: GC28 (BMC Greek (Arabia)) (207) (4)

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