What is the Khosrow II Drachm?

Most common Sasanian coin; struck in huge quantities through 38-year reign. It was struck in 590–628 CE under Khosrow II.

What metal and weight is the Khosrow II Drachm?

Silver, weighing approximately ~4.1 g.

Persian Treasury

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Sasanian Empire

Khosrow II Drachm

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

Key specifications for Khosrow II Drachm
Date	590–628 CE
Ruler / issuer	Khosrow II
Metal	Silver
Weight	~4.1 g
Era	Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 CE)
Region	Iran, Iraq, Caucasus, Central Asia

Obverse

Crowned bust within double border, crescents and stars.

Reverse

Fire altar with attendants, year/mint.

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 Khosrow II Drachm?: Most common Sasanian coin; struck in huge quantities through 38-year reign. It was struck in 590–628 CE under Khosrow II.
What metal and weight is it?: Silver, weighing approximately ~4.1 g.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: Crowned bust within double border, crescents and stars. Reverse: Fire altar with attendants, year/mint.

Ardashir I Drachm

Ardashir I (founder)

224–242 CE

Founder of the dynasty after defeating Artabanus IV.

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.

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.