Sasanian-Tabaristan Silver Hemidrachm (No reserve price)
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
A Sasanian-Tabaristan silver hemidrachm. The obverse features the bust of a Sasanian king facing right, wearing a crown with wings. The bust is framed in a circular motif with four stars, framed in crescents, evenly spaced around the exterior. He presents classic Sasanian characteristics such as the beard and moustache. The reverse features a fire altar with two facing attendants. Minor wear as consistent with age.
Tabaristan was an ancient region located along the Caspian Sea. The Sasanian coins were distinctive in that the royal headdress was always shown on one side and the fire altar with attendants on the other. Over time little changed to the coins, the king’s face was still depicted as human however the attendants became more stylised, much like these coins. The fire altar is a symbol of Zoroastrianism, the first religion known to be practised in Western Asiatic history. The first Sasanian ruler, Ardashir I, devoted himself to the religion and had the fire altar added to the coin. The coins served as a form of propaganda to promote both religious and political views.
Diameter: (circa) 2.4cm
Weight: 1.77g
Provenance: Ex Cambridgeshire private collection, acquired 1970s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A Sasanian-Tabaristan silver hemidrachm. The obverse features the bust of a Sasanian king facing right, wearing a crown with wings. The bust is framed in a circular motif with four stars, framed in crescents, evenly spaced around the exterior. He presents classic Sasanian characteristics such as the beard and moustache. The reverse features a fire altar with two facing attendants. Minor wear as consistent with age.
Tabaristan was an ancient region located along the Caspian Sea. The Sasanian coins were distinctive in that the royal headdress was always shown on one side and the fire altar with attendants on the other. Over time little changed to the coins, the king’s face was still depicted as human however the attendants became more stylised, much like these coins. The fire altar is a symbol of Zoroastrianism, the first religion known to be practised in Western Asiatic history. The first Sasanian ruler, Ardashir I, devoted himself to the religion and had the fire altar added to the coin. The coins served as a form of propaganda to promote both religious and political views.
Diameter: (circa) 2.4cm
Weight: 1.77g
Provenance: Ex Cambridgeshire private collection, acquired 1970s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Sasanian-Tabaristan
Century/ Timeframe
Circa AD 711-793
Name of object
Hemidrachm
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
