A DIE STUDY OF THE YEAR 21 GOLD COINS OF KHUSRO II (590–628)

AbstractThis paper discusses two denominations of gold coins struck by the Sasanian kingof kings, Khusro II (590–628). They both have same design. On obverse is theprofile head king facing right, similar to that found on silver but without themarginal stars and crescents. The legend left as drachmsbut there a longer right so whole reads: 'Khusro kingshas increased royal glory‘. reverse bust with headsurrounded flames, seen some 'special‘ issue drachms. Therehave been number different identifications this bust, most plausible being thatit personification xwarrah, 'Royal Glory‘, concept was very importantto II. There no mint these date, regnal year 21(610/11), left. 'he (= II) has increasedĒrān, he well-omened‘.Gold were in small quantities kings. It appears tohave mostly ceremonial coinage, only Shapur (309–79) Peroz (459–84) striking larger amounts. II‘s coinage relatively plentiful whencompared other late rulers. predecessor, Hormizd IV(579–90), five I (531–79) beenrecorded. usurper Vahran VI (590–1) sole whose goldcoins survived comparatively large numbers.The Khusro‘s denominations, heavy (or 1½) dinar, knownfrom three specimens, plus another which over-struck an Ilkhanid dinar ofAbu Said (1316–35). smaller denomination, light 1) more plentifulwith over 50 recorded. 21 using dies, one pair dies used for coins. Two together third not yet linked them. As dinars are regularly seem commerce picture may change.The listed source each coin noted (Table 1). All identified, available physical information, weight, diameter die axis, added. result shows pairs strike 42 out 53 also dinars. pairings many fewer coins: eight coins, coin.A double flaw across neck shoulder xwarrah (reverse Die flaws frequently drachm it evident did take especial care when producing gold.The average weight or 1 4.56 grams (with mean 4.57 grams). four about 6.73 few cannot arrive at any definitive regarding weight. relationship between clear (4.57g x 1½ = 6.855g). diameters vary 21.3 23.5 millimetres (from 16 specimens). similar, would expect, varying 22 22.7 millimetres. exception larger.