SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II, 591-628. Drachm (Silver, 32 mm, 4.00 g, 2 h), AYL, date partly illegible. Draped bust of Khosrau II to right, wearing elaborate mural crown; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, HWSRWD ('Khosrau' in Pahlawi); in outer margin, APD / NWKW ('excellent' and 'good' in Pahlawi) and countermark of the mythical creature Senmurv. Rev. Fire altar with ribbons flanked by two attendants; in upper left field, six-pointed star; in upper right field, crescent; to left, partly illegible date; to right, AYL (name of the mint in Pahlawi). SSCT -. Struck from somewhat worn dies, otherwise, about extremely fine.

This countermark shows a senmurv (simurgh) - a mythical bird in Persian mythology with the body of a peacock, the head of a dog, and the claws of a lion.