278, Lot: 488. Estimate $300. Sold for $425. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Dābūyid Ispahbads of Tabaristan. Kayān(?). Æ Pashiz (17mm, 3.55 g, 11h). Dated PYE 108 (AH 142 / AD 759). Crowned Sasanian-style bust right; “xvarrah” in Pahlavi behind, the name(?) “Kayān”(?) in Pahlavi before; open circle border / Fire altar; “108” in Pahlavi to left, “Tabaristān” in Pahlavi to right; circle border. Gyselen 46b.1 (this coin); Malek 205. Good Fine, brown surfaces. Extremely rare - one of three cited in Gyselen’s study.

From the J. P. Righetti Collection. Ex F. Gurnet Collection.

This type is known with two dates, which have been alternatively read as “70” or “107” and “80” or “108”. As Malek notes (p. 62), a separation of 10 years for such similar issues is certainly less likely.