Persian Treasury
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Coinage of Kavad I

1 catalogued issue of Kavad I — metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions with references.

In short

Kavad I (488–496 and 498–531 CE) was deposed, imprisoned and restored with Hephthalite help, and his second reign began the tax and military reforms that Khosrow I completed. Kavad I issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 488 CE – 531 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Ahvaz.

Catalogued
1
Eras
1
Metals
1
Denominations
1

Key facts

Key facts about Kavad I in the Persian Treasury catalogue
Catalogued pieces1
Date range488 CE – 531 CE
Eras representedSasanian Empire
MetalsSilver
DenominationsDrachm
MintsAhvaz
Reigns488–496 and 498–531 CE
Restored byHephthalite support
ReformLand tax and army reorganisation begun
Coin noteComplex regnal-year sequence

Two reigns, one dating problem

Kavad's regnal years run continuously across the interruption on some issues and restart on others, making his silver one of the more intricate dating exercises in Sasanian numismatics — and one of the best training grounds for reading regnal years.

His support for the radical Mazdakite movement contributed to his first deposition; his abandonment of it secured his second reign.

The reform inheritance

The land-tax and army reorganisation associated with Khosrow I begins under Kavad. Mint output rises and the drachm becomes an instrument of a monetised fiscal state rather than mainly a payment for troops.

Ahvaz, Ctesiphon-region and Fars mints are all well represented, and Kavad drachms are common enough to be a sensible first Sasanian purchase.

Sasanian Empire · 224 – 651 CE

Era overview →

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.

Frequently asked about Kavad I

Why does Kavad I have two reigns?
He was deposed in 496 CE after backing the Mazdakite movement, imprisoned, escaped to the Hephthalites, and returned with their army in 498 to reclaim the throne.
Are Kavad I drachms common?
Yes — his long reign produced substantial output, and legible examples are among the most affordable Sasanian silver.
What coins did Kavad I issue?
Kavad I issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 488 CE – 531 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Ahvaz.
How many Kavad I pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
1 item, dated 488 CE – 531 CE, spread across 1 era: Sasanian Empire.
Which metals were used for Kavad I coinage?
Silver. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
Which denominations are associated with Kavad I?
Drachm. Every denomination has its own reference page with dated examples.
Where were Kavad I coins minted?
Recorded mints include Ahvaz.

Explore related hubs

Denominations here

Metals here