90, Lot: 139. Estimate $100. Sold for $90. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SASANIAN KINGS of PERSIA. Ardashir II. 379-383 AD. AR Drachm (26mm, 3.78 gm). Eastern (Kabul) mint. Crowned and cuirassed bust right / Fire altar with attendants and ribbon. Göbl I/1; Alram 827. VF, toned.

From the Bellaria Collection. Ex Tkalec & Rauch (14-15 April 1986), lot 200.

The style of the dress of the attendants on the reverse (and the obverse bust) is similar to that of the Kabul mint drachms of the preceding king, Shahpur II (cf. Göbl, Kushan 1328).

Ardashir II’s reign is relatively obscure. He succeeded Shahpur II, but their relationship is uncertain (although they are generally believed to have been brothers). He apparently was a harsh ruler whose actions against the aristocracy prompted his deposition at their hands.