Drachm

About this artwork

This silver work by Unknown Artist, titled 'Drachm' and created ca. 399–420 CE, represents an important example of artistic production from this period. Unknown Artist's practice contributed to the broader artistic traditions of the time, demonstrating the technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities characteristic of Ancient Near Eastern Art artworks in museum collections. The piece reflects the cultural and artistic values of its era, serving as a document of historical visual culture. Further...

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver drachm, minted around 399–420 CE during the Sian Empire, exemplifies the coinage of ancient Persia (modern-day). As a standard unit of currency in the vast Sasanian realm—which stretched from Mesopotamia to India—these coins were not just economic tools but powerful symbols of royal authority. Measuring just 2.7 cm in diameter and 0. cm thick, its delicate craftsmanship highlights the era's mastery of metalworking, with finely struck designs likely featuring a king's profile on the obverse, evoking the tags of male figures in profile. Sasanian drachms were inscribed and ...