HORMAZD II AR DRACHM, 303 - 309 C.E.
SNS type 1a/3a, Sunrise 815, Very Fine, edge chip, 28.74mm, 4.08 grams
Obverse: Bust of Hormizd II to right, wearing eagle crown with korymbos
Reverse: Fire altar with ribbons and bust facing in flames, flanked by two attendants, the left one wearing a winged crown with korymbus, the other a mural crown
Attractive lightly toned example of a scarcer early ruler!
Hormizd as the father of Shapur II. Shapur's mother Ifra Hormiz is mentioned numerous times in the Talmud as a righteous woman. She was the concubine of Hormiz and her son Shapur was actually pronounced king while still in her womb! This may help explain her great influence at the King Shapur's court.
