278, Lot: 490. Estimate $75. Sold for $120. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

‘Abbasid Governors of Tabaristan. ‘Umar ibn al-‘Alā. PYE 120-129/30 / AH 155-164/5 / AD 771-782. AR Hemidrachm (23mm, 1.91 g, 6h). Dated PYE 122 (AH 157 / AD 773). Crowned Sasanian-style bust right; “May xvarrah increase” in Pahlavi behind, “‘Umar” in Pahlavi before; open double circle border with star-in-crescent motif at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock and “excellent” and “good” in 2nd and 3rd quarters of margin / Fire altar with attendants flanking; star and crescent flanking flames, date to left, mint to right; triple circle border with alternating star-in-crescent and triple pellet motifs. Malek 66. Near EF, toned.

From the J. P. Righetti Collection.