ARDASHIR I TETRADRACHM, 224 - 242 C.E.
Gobl 7, Sellwood 5, Very Fine, 26mm, 13.33 grams
Obverse: Bust of Ardashir to right with Tiara crown, inscription around
Reverse: Diademed fire altar
Nicely centered with typical porosity and a bold reverse. These earliest Sassanian coins were struck of billon silver unlike the early Parthian Tetradrachms, and by the reign of Shapur I son of Ardashir had moved on to bronze.
Ardeshir is the first Sassanian ruler. Sassania is the Bavel of the Talmud. He reigned at the time of Rav and Shmuel. His son Shapur I was on close terms with Shmuel.
