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Numismatics

ID number:  BIRBI-S0507
Object type:  Coin
Institution:  The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Named collection:  P. D. Whitting Collection
Collector:  Whitting, Philip D.
Maker:  Varhran VI; Merv
Denomination:  Drachm
Place made:  Merv
Culture:  Sasanian
Date made:  590-591
Metal:  Silver
Diameter (cm):  2.95
Weight (g):  4.05
Axis (degrees):  135.00
Provenance:  Whitting 7687. Spinks, 14th January 1971.
BIRBI-S0507.jpg

Description:  Obverse: Varhran VI facing r. on frontal bust, with hair tied in a bunch over r. shoulder, earring of three pellets in triangle; six-pointed star to l. and r. of crown; crown with band of pearl pellets at base, with domed cap above band, line extending from crown to cresecent above crown, with single ribbon flowing l., within crescent atop line a ball of fire; in field r. of crown an upturned crescent; single string of pearls at neck, two pellets .. on breast, double string a pearls extending from shoulder to sternum; large ribbon to l. and r. of bust, flowing from behind bust out to border and then upwards; single pellet border; three crescents without stars at 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Reverse: Fire altar, single straight column, on large step with base, surmounted by large altar slab and step, ribbons extend from centre of column upwards; flame atop altar, represented by three rows of three pellets, three pellets and two pellets respectively; to l. of fire a six-pointed star, to r. of fire an upturned crescent; flanking the altar two attendants, facing forward, arms lowered to rest on sword/barsom at waist, which points downwards to feet; trousers of attendants represented by chevrons; hair of attendants in bunches at both side of head; both wear crowns consisting of an upturned crescent, with vertical line within; single pellet border.

Inscriptions:  Obverse: AFS (afzut/increase); AR (Varhram). Reverse: TLYTAT (talta/three, uncertain). MR (Merv).

Bibliography:  Göbl 21.a

Notes:  Whitting sees double striking, more likely die recarving, reverse possible a mule of earlier ruler, with an unusual regnal year that does not fit with the chronology of Vahram VI.

3 Related People

Whitting_Phillip-T.jpg
Whitting, Philip David
British
1903
1988
Varhran VI
Sasanian

591
Merv
Sasanian


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