Early Islamic / Sasanian · 650–700 AD
Arab-Sasanian Silver Drachm
The transitional coin — Sasanian imagery meets "In the name of God"
Unique piece
When Islam Met Persia
After conquering the Sasanian Empire in the 640s–650s AD, the early Arab rulers faced a practical problem: the economy ran on Sasanian silver drachms, and the population trusted them. Rather than disrupt commerce, the new rulers continued striking coins in the Sasanian style, adding "bismillah" ("In the name of God") in Arabic to the margins.
This Coin
This Arab-Sasanian drachm retains the Sasanian design: a facing bust of a king with crown and flowing ribbons on the obverse, and a Zoroastrian fire altar flanked by attendants on the reverse. But in the margins, Arabic inscriptions appear alongside the Pahlavi script — a remarkable physical record of one of history's greatest cultural transitions.
Numismatic Details
- Denomination
- Drachm
- Ruler
- Arab-Sasanian Governor
- Civilization
- Early Islamic / Sasanian
- Period
- 650–700 AD
- Mint
- Various (Iran/Iraq)
- Material
- Silver
- Weight
- 3.9g
- Diameter
- 30mm
- Condition
- VF (Very Fine)
Obverse
Sasanian-style bust right, wearing crown, bismillah in margins
Reverse
Fire altar flanked by attendants, star and crescent, Arabic and Pahlavi legends
What You'll Receive
Premium Display Case
Your coin arrives in an elegant display case, ready to admire or gift.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin includes a signed certificate guaranteeing its authenticity.
Secure & Insured Shipping
Tracked and insured delivery to protect your piece of history.
