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Numismatics

ID number:  BIRBI-S0134
Object type:  Coin
Institution:  The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Named collection:  P. D. Whitting Collection
Collector:  Whitting, Philip D.
Maker:  Varhran IV
Denomination:  Drachm
Culture:  Sasanian
Date made:  388-399
Metal:  Silver
Diameter (cm):  2.85
Weight (g):  4.02
Axis (degrees):  90.00
Provenance:  Whitting 7983, A. H. Baldwin, 30th May 1973.
BIRBI-S0134.jpg

Description:  Obverse: Varhran IV, facing r. on frontal bust, bearded, hair tied in bunch over l, shoulder, earring; crown, with single pellet band, mural elements, wings extending from crown to l. field, korymbos above crown; pellet band at neckline; single pellet border. Reverse: Fire altar, with two steps at base, two steps at top, with altar slab above steps, two ribbons extending down from altar column; bust atop altar; attendants flank the altar, crowned, holding swords/barsom; single pellet border.

Inscriptions:  Obverse: VARHRAN (Varhran) Reverse: None.

Bibliography:  SNS 3.1.Obv.Ib2.Rev.2a

Notes:  Bubbling outside of die border on reverse, indicating the coin is plated; angular nature of bust and crude pahlavi suggests a Hephthalite imitation.

2 Related People

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

399
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