What is the Shapur I Drachm?

Defeated three Roman emperors including Valerian (captured 260 CE). It was struck in 240–272 CE under Shapur I.

What metal and weight is the Shapur I Drachm?

Silver, weighing approximately ~4.2 g.

Persian Treasury

فارسی11 eras

Sasanian Empire

Shapur I Drachm

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

Key specifications for Shapur I Drachm
Date	240–272 CE
Ruler / issuer	Shapur I
Metal	Silver
Weight	~4.2 g
Era	Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 CE)
Region	Iran, Iraq, Caucasus, Central Asia

Obverse

Mural crown with korymbos.

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 Shapur I Drachm?: Defeated three Roman emperors including Valerian (captured 260 CE). It was struck in 240–272 CE under Shapur I.
What metal and weight is it?: Silver, weighing approximately ~4.2 g.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: Mural crown with korymbos. Reverse: Fire altar with two attendants.

Ardashir I Drachm

Ardashir I (founder)

224–242 CE

Founder of the dynasty after defeating Artabanus IV.

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.