Lot 135
Sasanian Kingdom. Queen Azarmidokht, 2nd daughter of Husrav II. Silver Drachm (4.12 g), AD 631. Shi (Shiz) or SI (Sirjan), RY 1 (AD 631). Bust of Azarmidokht right, wearing mural crown with frontal crescent, two wings, and star set on crescent; ribbon on left shoulder, crescent and ribbon on right; stars flanking crown; star-in-crescents in margin. Reverse: Fire altar with ribbons; flanked by two attendants; star and crescent flanking flames; star-in-crescents in margin. Göbl -; Mochiri 508; Paruck -; Saeedi -; Sunrise 1007. A major rarity in the series. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $12,000 - UP
Azarmadokht was a daughter of the murdered King of Kings Khusru II who was brought to power by the Parsig (Persian) noble faction in the summer of 630 after the overthrow of her sister Buran and the usurpation of Shapur V. She swore to rule after the manner of her strong and beloved father. This is reflected in her extremely rare coinage, which continued to feature the portrait of Khusru II. Nevertheless, things quickly fell apart.
A proposal of marriage by the influential Pahlav (Parthian) general Farrukh Hormizd might have healed the rift between the Parsig and Pahlav factions, but Azarmadokht refused and the Sasanian Empire was plunged into a new round of civil war. Farrukh proclaimed himself King of Kings with the throne name of Hormizd V, but was soon assassinated by allies of Azarmadokht. He was succeeded by his son Rustam Farrukhzad, who raised an army and fought his way to the Sasanian capital at Ctesiphon. Once the city was captured, Rustam deposed Azarmadokht and restored Buran to power in June 631. In order to prevent her from ever being used to challenge Buran again, Rustam ordered Azarmadokht to be blinded and later had her executed.
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