Silver Drachma of Indo Sassanian of King Khusro I 539-579 Ad Coin

o-Sassanian coinage represents a prolonged series of silver drachms struck from around 530 to 1202 CE in western and northern India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sindh, and the Gangetic plains, imitating Sasanian prototypes introduced via invasions like those of the Alchon Huns.

Historical Overview

These coins emerged after the Sasanian Empire’s decline, adopted by local dynasties such as Gurjaras, Pratiharas, Chaulukyas, Paramaras, and Palas, evolving the original Persian design into increasingly stylized, geometric forms over centuries. They served as standard currency in post-Gupta India, bridging Central Asian influences with Indian monetary traditions until superseded by types like the Gadhaiya Paisa.

Design Characteristics

Obverse typically shows a highly simplified right-facing bust of a ruler with a distinctive crown (often winged or turreted for Khusro I), stars, crescents, and Pahlavi-derived legends. Reverse features a fire altar (sometimes with flames only) flanked by attendants, geometric motifs, and marginal symbols like stars or crescents, reflecting Zoroastrian iconography adapted locally.

Khusro I Specifics

Your 3.9g silver drachma copies Sasanian king Khusro I (r. 531-579 CE), with obverse bust in two-turrets crown, globe, front crescent-star, rear star, and four marginal crescents; reverse narrow diademed fire altar shaft with flames, two front-facing attendants, mint/date marks. Indo-Sassanian versions show degraded, bolder strikes compared to Persian originals.