Islamic, Pre-Reform, Abbasid Governors, Tabaristan Mint, AR Hemidrachm, PYE 136 = AH 171 = AD 787/8

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Description

Islamic, Pre-Reform, Abbasid Governors, Tabaristan Mint,  AR Hemidrachm (silver, 1.72g, 24.8mm), PYE 136 = AH 171 = AD 787/8
Obv: Crowned Sassanian style bust right; ‘pd and nwk’ in Pahlavi in outer margin
Rev:  Fire altar flanked by attendants; star and crescent flanking flames; alternating triple pellets and star-in-crescents in outer margin
Ref: Album 73 Rarity/Choice: Common,  EF (lustrous)
Note: This silver hemidrachm was minted in Tabaristan during the reign of the ‘Abbasid governors in the early Islamic period. During this period, Tabaristan was under the control of the ‘Abbasid Caliphate, and the local governors issued coinage in the name of the ‘Abbasid Caliph. These coins reflect the continuation of Sasanian-style iconography and Zoroastrian imagery despite the Islamic conquest of the region. The use of Sassanian-style busts and fire altars on these coins reflects the strong influence of Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion in the region before the rise of Islam. The star and crescent motifs may symbolize heavenly bodies or divine power. Coins from Tabaristan, especially those with clear dates and mint marks, are highly valued by collectors for their historical significance and artistic beauty. They provide valuable insights into the transition from the Sasanian to Islamic periods in Persia.
In summary, this hemidrachm from Tabaristan represents a fascinating blend of Sasanian and Islamic influences, reflecting the region’s complex cultural and religious history during the early Islamic period.

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