Late Sasanian Empire Large Silver Drachm (6th–7th Century CE) – Khusru I, Khusru II, or Hormizd IV – NGC Certified

Own a certified large silver drachm from the Late Sasanian Empire (6th–7th century CE), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. Each coin features the striking image of a Sasanian king — either Khusru I, Khusru II, or Hormizd IV — rulers who presided over the empire’s Second Golden Age.

The Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE) was the last great Persian empire before the rise of Islam, reaching new heights of power, wealth, and artistic achievement under these kings. Khusru I (Anushiruwan) was renowned for his reforms and patronage of philosophy and science, while Khusru II presided over a vast empire that briefly rivaled Rome in scale. Hormizd IV, meanwhile, maintained Sasanian strength during a time of religious and internal tensions.

Sasanian kings were famous for the elaborateness of their crowns, a feature prominently displayed on their coinage. Some historians believe that the earliest chess pieces were modeled after these ornate Sasanian royal crowns — a fascinating legacy blending warfare, art, and intellectual life.

The obverse of these drachms typically features the crowned bust of the king facing right, while the reverse depicts a Zoroastrian fire altar flanked by attendants — a powerful symbol of divine protection and royal legitimacy.

Please note: You may receive a drachm featuring Khusru I, Khusru II, or Hormizd IV.

Certified by NGC, this silver drachm offers collectors a beautiful and tangible link to the twilight of the ancient Persian world.