SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II, 591-628. Drachm (Silver, 31 mm, 3.75 g, 3 h), ML (Marw), RY 33 = AD 623. 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, 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, date; to right, ML (name of the mint in Pahlawi). SSCT 2961. Nicely toned. Minor corrosion at the edge, otherwise, good very 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.