Images

These silver coins show the Sassanian "King of Kings" Bahram II (reigned 276-293 CE). He wears a winged crown to symbolize Verethragna, god of victory. On the back (lower image), the king stands to the left of a Zoroastrian...

Medallions with designs similar to coins could be worn as a symbol of allegiance, or given as prestigious gifts. They were specifically intended to be attractive, as display or presentation pieces. Copper alloy...

Medallions with designs similar to coins could be worn as a symbol of allegiance, or given as prestigious gifts. They were specifically intended to be attractive, as display or presentation pieces. Bimetallic...

On this coin, the unknown king wears a royal headband tied around his carefully coiffured hairstyle. Around his neck is a multiple neck ring (torque) and his v-necked jacket is ornately decorated with pearls. From...

This coin depicts Vadfradad I, king of Persis (Fars) in Southern Iran, who can be identified on both sided of the coin by his special headgear. On the back (this image), a figure holds up a royal headband (diadem) as...

The Emperor Commodus wished to be identified with the god Hercules. On these medallions, he is depicted as Hercules, with a lion-skin headdress (upper image). He is also shown ploughing a ritual furrow to re-found...

Julius Caesar was deified after his death and a comet appearing at this time was seen as a manifestation of his spirit. Octavian (later Emperor Augustus), used his coinage to emphasize his relationship to Caesar...

This coin of Caracalla, struck in 215 CE, was engraved with Christian graffiti by one of its owners. A Christian symbol (the chi-rho) was scratched just behind the bust, and the word PAX ("PEACE") can also be seen. Copper ally...

These coins show the Sassanian "King of Kings" Kosrau I (aka Khosrow I), reigned 531-579 CE. He wears and holds a royal headband (diadem) as a symbol of kingship. Elements of earlier coins, such as the star and moon, are also...

One of the simplest ways of displaying wealthiness was to wear it, as seen in this pendant made from a coin. The wealthier the wearer, the more elaborate the jewellery could be. An elaborate setting could be...