90, Lot: 126. Estimate $150. Sold for $143. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SASANIAN KINGS of PERSIA. Bahram I. 273-276 AD. AR Drachm (25mm, 4.09 gm). Crowned and cuirassed bust right / Fire altar with attendants; fravahr symbol (wreath) to right of flames. Göbl I/1; Alram 707. VF, toned, scattered porosity, slightly ragged edge.

From the Bellaria Collection.

Bahram I, also a son of Shahpur I, succeeded his brother Hormizd I. He appears to have been more concerned with internal affairs within the Sasanian realm, particularly with strengthening the power of the state religion, Zoroastrianism. Unlike his predecessors, he was intolerant of other religions, and a massive persecution of Manichaens (including the death of their spiritual leader, Mani) and Christians ensued. Little else is known, but that he had disputes with a number of his nobles and his brother, another son of Shahpur I, Narse. Regardless, Bahram’s hold on power was sufficient to ensure that his son succeeded him upon his death.