Sasanian Empire. Narseh (AD 293-302). Drachm

Sasanian Kings. AR Drachm.

Narseh (293-302 AD).

Narseh ruled the Sasanian Empire from 293 to 302, ascending the throne after overthrowing his grandnephew Bahram III in a swift and largely bloodless coup. A son of Shapur I, he sought to restore the prestige and authority of the monarchy, emphasizing continuity with the empire’s early golden age. His reign was defined by conflict with the Roman Empire, culminating in a significant defeat by Emperor Galerius in 298, which forced Narseh to cede territories in Armenia and Mesopotamia. Despite this setback, his rule maintained internal stability and upheld the cultural and administrative traditions that would continue to shape the Sasanian state.

This is an extremely fine and pleasantly dark-grey toned coin of this scarce and desirable ruler. Adding to its scarcity is the unusual, older type crown without the typical palmettes that Narseh used during the early phase of his reign. This crown closely resembles that of his brother and former King Hormazd I. Making this coin even more rare is the combination of this crown and the presence of the Taurus and Faravahar symbols on the reverse.

The Faravahar symbol is a simplified picture of the deity Apam Napat, the keeper of the faravahar, the guardian spirit of a human being. Before and after life the faravahar is connected to the soul, but during life, it is a separate entity. Parallels have been made to the Egyptian Ankh symbol and to the winged sun disk.

The Taurus symbol is often found along with the Faravahar symbol. According to the Zoroastrian creation myth, a shining white bull was the first animal on earth. It was slain by the evil demon Ahriman. After its death, the bull was united with the moon and from this position it gave rise to al good and useful plants and animals on earth.

The presence of these symbols is rare in combination with this crown type.

I am selling to rid my private collection. This coin was previously bought privately from a fellow collector.

See images for a correct impression.

Please note: it is not possible to ship to the USA.