What is the Ardashir I Drachm?

Founder of the dynasty after defeating Artabanus IV. It was struck in 224–242 CE at Ctesiphon / Hamadan under Ardashir I (founder).

What metal and weight is the Ardashir I Drachm?

Silver, weighing approximately ~4.2 g.

Persian Treasury

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Sasanian Empire

Ardashir I Drachm

Founder of the dynasty after defeating Artabanus IV.

Key specifications for Ardashir I Drachm
Date	224–242 CE
Ruler / issuer	Ardashir I (founder)
Mint	Ctesiphon / Hamadan
Metal	Silver
Weight	~4.2 g
Era	Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 CE)
Region	Iran, Iraq, Caucasus, Central Asia

Obverse

Bust with korymbos crown; Pahlavi legend 'Mazda-worshipping divine Ardashir, King of Kings of Iran'.

Reverse

Fire altar without attendants.

Historical context — Sasanian Empire

The Sasanians produced the most artistically consistent and historically informative ancient coinage: thin, broad silver drachms with the king's crown on obverse and a Zoroastrian fire altar on reverse.

Read the full Sasanian Empire essay →

Frequently asked

What is the Ardashir I Drachm?: Founder of the dynasty after defeating Artabanus IV. It was struck in 224–242 CE at Ctesiphon / Hamadan under Ardashir I (founder).
What metal and weight is it?: Silver, weighing approximately ~4.2 g.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: Bust with korymbos crown; Pahlavi legend 'Mazda-worshipping divine Ardashir, King of Kings of Iran'. Reverse: Fire altar without attendants.

Shapur I Drachm

Shapur I

240–272 CE

Defeated three Roman emperors including Valerian (captured 260 CE).

Khosrow I (Anushirvan) Drachm

Khosrow I

531–579 CE

Currency reformer; standardised drachm weight and purity. Massive output.

Khosrow II Drachm

Khosrow II

590–628 CE

Most common Sasanian coin; struck in huge quantities through 38-year reign.

Peroz I Drachm

Peroz I

459–484 CE

Peroz's wars against the Hephthalites bankrupted the empire and he was killed in battle in 484. From his reign onward, mint and year on Sasanian drachms enable precise dating.

Kavad I Drachm

Kavad I

488–531 CE (two reigns)

Kavad's reforms paved the way for Khosrow I. His support for the radical Mazdakite movement marks one of the most dramatic episodes in late antique Iran.