ANCIENT PERSIA — PERSIS KINGDOM Uncertain Ruler (circa 1st century AD) Silver Hemidrachm (AR) Weight: 1.28 g Diameter: 12 mm Reference: Alram 619 ________________________________________ Description Obverse: Diademed and draped bust of an uncertain ruler facing left, with a pointed beard, wearing a Parthian-style tiara with an ear flap, decorated with a crescent. Reverse: Diadem with flowing ties. ________________________________________ Historical Background The Persis Kingdom, located in southwestern Iran (the heartland of ancient Persia), functioned as a semi-independent region under the overlordship of the Parthian Empire. During the 1st century AD, local rulers issued small silver coins such as this hemidrachm, combining Parthian artistic influence with regional traditions. These issues reflect the continuity of Persian identity and local authority in the period before the rise of the Sasanian Empire in the 3rd century AD.