Description:  Obverse: Ardashir III facing r. on frontal bust, with hair tied in a bunch over r. shoulder, earring of single large pellet; six-pointed star to l. and r. of crown; crown with double pellet band, three mural elements, vertical line extending up connecting to upturned crescent with two vertical lines within, wings extending from larger vertical line; upturned crescent to r. of crown; upturned crescent above r. shoulder; double pellet band at neckline, with single large hollow pellet at centre, double pellet band running from shoulder to sternum, three large pellets on breast, upturned crescent with six-pointed star in both shoulders; two ribbons extending upward from behind shoulders; single pellet border; crescent with six-pointed star at 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Reverse: Fire altar, narrow-column type, with three steps at base, three steps at top, ribbons extending downwards from centre; fire atop altar, depicted as four rows of four pellets, three pellets, two pellets and one pellet respectively; six-pointed star to l. of fire, upturned crescent to r. of fire; flanking the altar two attendants, wearing crowns, arms lowered to waist, where they clasp a sword/barsom, trousers depicted with chevrons, single ribbon rising upward from neck of each attendant; single pellet border; crescent with six-pointed star at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees.

Inscriptions:  Obverse: AFZUN (Prosperity) ARTASHTIR (Ardashir) Reverse: TALYN (Two) BIS (Bishapur)

Bibliography:  Göbl 25.b

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