Ancient Persia – Sasanian Empire Silver Dirhem — King Khusro II (AD 590–627) — Zoroastrian Fire Altar — Ex CNG / Ex Gabriel Vandervort/Ancient Resource, California.

This is a handsome silver dirhem of Khusro II, one of the most powerful and fascinating rulers of the Sasanian Empire. His reign represents the final height of ancient Persian power before the rise of Islam — making his coinage highly collectible and historically significant.

The obverse shows the crowned bust of Khusro II facing right, flanked by Zoroastrian astrological symbols, with stars and crescents around the border. The reverse features the classic Zoroastrian fire altar with two attendants, surrounded by monograms and additional symbols. These coins beautifully reflect the deep religious traditions of the Sasanian world.

Silver Dirhem — Khusro II

Sasanian Kingdom, c. AD 590–627

Obv: Crowned bust right; stars, crescents, and symbols around

Rev: Fire altar with two attendants; monograms and symbols surrounding

Provenance is — Ex CNG, purchased in 2010, and Ex Gabriel Vandervort (California), a respected ancient coin historian and dealer.