Hakimeh Ahmadizadeh shendi; Reza Shabani; Javad Heravi
Abstract
AbstractIn the financial system of the Sassanid era (651–224 AD), in addition to the two main monetary units namely the Dinar (gold) and the Dirham (silver) there were other lesser-valued ...
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AbstractIn the financial system of the Sassanid era (651–224 AD), in addition to the two main monetary units namely the Dinar (gold) and the Dirham (silver) there were other lesser-valued units in circulation which, particularly in certain regions of Iran, played a significant role in the everyday economic transactions of the people. These lesser-valued units, which included coins made of low-weight silver, copper, brass, and bronze, played a major role in the general economy and daily exchanges. An examination of these small coins, in addition to revealing their material composition, led to the discovery of unique designs and symbols that are not observed on any of the Sassanid gold and silver coins. An intriguing aspect of these coins is the inclusion of distinctive designs and symbols that were never employed on the dinars and dirhams; they feature large depictions of the sun, the moon, a star, and a burning brazier on the coin, which undoubtedly signify a particular subject and belief. We know that the sun and the moon, as described in the Avesta as Zoroastrian deities, appear on these coins. By examining small coins such as the Pashiz and studying the Pahlavi texts of the Sassanid era alongside the religious Avesta rich with depictions of sacred symbols and by analyzing historical events and the reigns of various Sassanid kings, it can be concluded that these designs indeed reflect the religious beliefs and convictions of the people of that time. Moreover, not only are the symbolic designs significant, but the names of the mints where these coins were struck also hold considerable importance in this study. In addition, the Pashiz coins of the Malek Museum have been regarded as important examples. Therefore, in this article we intend to provide a comprehensive review of all these designs and symbols, as well as to introduce the mints and their functions during the Sassanid period, and to analyze their connection with the religious and cultural beliefs of that era. Keywords: Sassanid Period, Small Coins, Mints, Motifs and Symbols. 1. IntroductionDuring the Sassanian era (224–651 CE), the empire minted not only valuable coins like the dinar and dirham but also smaller coins made of copper, brass, bronze, and low-weight silver. While the dinar and dirham were primarily used for high-level transactions, the smaller coins, often referred to as “pashiz” or “dong,” played a crucial role in daily commerce. These coins were widely circulated throughout the Sassanian Empire and served as the foundation for the everyday economic exchanges within Iranshahr (Sassanian Persia). Despite their low monetary value, these small coins carried unique symbols, motifs, and textual inscriptions, which were distinct from those found on the dinars and dirhams.The issue that this study seeks to address is the insufficient scholarly attention given to these lesser-valued coins in the field of numismatics. These small coins often carry intricate designs and politically significant texts that may provide valuable insights into the religious, political, and economic ideologies of the Sassanian Empire. Understanding the reasons behind the inclusion of such motifs and texts, as well as their implications for the rulers’ beliefs and policies, could offer a fresh perspective on Sassanian society and governance. The study of small Sassanian coins is important for several reasons. As evidenced by scholars such as Vladimir Grigorievich Lukonin and Robert Gobel, these coins have largely been overlooked in the field of numismatics. Lukonin briefly discussed the early Sassanian copper mints but did not delve deeply into the designs or inscriptions of these smaller coins. Similarly, while Gobel acknowledged their existence, his focus remained primarily on the more valuable dirham and dinar coins, leaving the pashiz and dong largely unexplored.In recent years, Austrian numismatist Nicholas Schindel has drawn attention to these coins, but comprehensive research on their unique motifs and the mints responsible for their production is still lacking. The study of the design and symbolism on these small coins not only enhances our understanding of the Sassanian economy but also provides deeper insight into the political and religious symbols that shaped the Sassanian state. These small coins were in common circulation, and their designs may offer a glimpse into how the rulers sought to project their Authority and beliefs to the broader population. These coins were more frequently used in daily transactions, making them more representative of the general populace’s economic activity. Consequently, their study could reveal how Sassanian rulers sought to communicate their ideology, political objectives, and religious beliefs to the public. The symbols and texts used on these coins may reflect the political climate of the time, illustrating the rulers’ efforts to consolidate power and communicate their policies effectively.The central question driving this research is: What was the significance of the unique symbols, motifs, and texts found on small coins (pashiz and dong) in the Sassanian era, and why were these elements used on these coins rather than the more valuable dinars and dirhams? This research question will guide the investigation into the cultural, religious, and political motivations behind the designs and inscriptions on these small coins. By closely examining these elements, the study aims to uncover why the Sassanian rulers chose these specific motifs and texts, and how they reflect broader societal and political dynamics. 4. Discussion 2. DiscussionThe research will employ a combination of qualitative and descriptive analysis, focusing on primary sources and archaeological artifacts. One important component of the study will be an examination of small coins housed in the Malek National Museum in Tehran, particularly those made of copper, and pashiz, which have not been thoroughly analyzed in previous research.These coins will be used to illustrate the specific motifs, symbols, and texts found on Sassanian small coins.The study will also incorporate the work of previous numismatists, including Lukonin (Lukonin, 1393), Gobel (Althaim et al., 2012), and Schindel (Schindel, 2014), to provide context for the analysis of these coins. By closely examining the coins’ design elements, particular attention will be given to the patterns that appear in front of the emperor’s face, as these often symbolize specific religious or political beliefs. The inclusion of mint marks and abbreviations will also be analyzed to understand the geographical and administrative distribution of coin production across the Sassanian Empire.One key aspect of the research will be to distinguish between the motifs used on small coins and those found on dinars and dirhams. This comparison will help determine why certain symbols and texts were reserved for the smaller coins, and what this information reveals about the broader social and political context of the Sassanian Empire. Furthermore, this study will explore the significance of minting practices, including the role of mint marks and the locations where these small coins were produced.The study of small Sassanian coins has yielded several significant findings. One of the most striking aspects of these coins is the inclusion of large and elaborate motifs, particularly on the reverse side of the coin, which often surrounds or is positioned next to the emperor’s face. These motifs are distinct from those found on the dinars and dirhams, and they appear to serve specific religious, political, or symbolic purposes.For example, many of the small coins feature representations of Zoroastrian symbols, such as fire altars, which are emblematic of the state religion of the Sassanian Empire. Other common motifs include depictions of imperial iconography, such as crowns and royal insignia, which reinforced the divine right of the emperor and his association with the gods. The inclusion of such symbols on low-value coins suggests that the Sassanian rulers sought to project their political legitimacy and reinforce their religious authority at all levels of currency, not just with high-value coins like the dinar and dirham. 3. ConclosionAnother significant finding is the frequent use of mint marks and abbreviations on these small coins. These marks indicate the geographical origins of the coins and provide valuable insight into the distribution of minting activities throughout the Sassanian Empire. The presence of mint marks, along with the inclusion of names of important cities and provinces, suggests that the Sassanian rulers were keen on controlling and monitoring economic activity at the local level. This further underscores the importance of minting as a tool for political control, similar to the minting practices of dirhams and dinars. Additionally, the presence of coins with no text but elaborate patterns next to the emperor’s face highlights the use of symbolic language as a form of communication. These coins may have been used in specific contexts, such as religious ceremonies or festivals, where the visual impact of the coin’s design was more important than any textual content.In conclusion, this study highlights the significant role that small coins played in the Sassanian Empire, especially in reflecting the political, religious, and economic ideologies of the time. Despite their low monetary value, these coins carried symbols and texts that communicated important messages to the populace. The use of unique motifs and mint marks on these coins illustrates how the Sassanian rulers sought to project their authority and religious beliefs to a wide audience. The research into the small coins of the Sassanian era, particularly through the analysis of coins from the Malek National Museum, offers valuable insights into the culture and governance of the Sassanian Empire.
