Persian Treasury
فارسی11 eras
Sasanian Empire
Bahram II Drachm
Bahram II's coins are exceptional in Sasanian numismatics for showing the royal family together — a propaganda response to the religious challenge of Manichaeism, brutally suppressed under his predecessor Bahram I.
| Date | 276–293 CE |
|---|---|
| Ruler / issuer | Bahram II |
| Metal | Silver |
| Weight | ~4.2 g |
| Era | Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 CE) |
| Region | Iran, Iraq, Caucasus, Central Asia |
Obverse and reverse
Obverse
Family group: Bahram II with queen and crown-prince facing — uniquely dynastic for Sasanian coinage.
Reverse
Fire altar with two 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 Bahram II Drachm?
- Bahram II's coins are exceptional in Sasanian numismatics for showing the royal family together — a propaganda response to the religious challenge of Manichaeism, brutally suppressed under his predecessor Bahram I. It was struck in 276–293 CE under Bahram II.
- What metal and weight is it?
- Silver, weighing approximately ~4.2 g.
- What designs appear on it?
- Obverse: Family group: Bahram II with queen and crown-prince facing — uniquely dynastic for Sasanian coinage. Reverse: Fire altar with two attendants.