102, Lot: 70. Estimate $1250. Sold for $1325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PERSIS. Shahpur (Sabuhr), son of Papak. Circa 200-209 AD. AR Drachm (22mm, 3.58 gm). Bearded bust of Shahpur left, wearing diadem and Parthian-style tiara with pellet-in-crescent / Bearded bust of Papak left, wearing diadem and Parthian-style tiara with leaf ornament. Alram 654; Göbl, Antike Münzen 2106. VF, toned, minor porosity. Extremely rare; one of 3-5 known.

From the Bellaria Collection. Ex Lanz 102 (28 May 2001), lot 335.

Shahpur was an older brother of Artaxerxes V of Persis, both sons of Papak, a local prince in Persis. According to al-Tabari, Artaxerxes had conquered some of the other local principalities and appointed governors loyal to himself. He then encouraged his father to challenge the king of Persis. Papak successfully overthrew the king and claimed the throne for himself. Shahpur succeeded him when he died shortly thereafter, and instructed his brother to come to his court at Stakhr. Artaxerxes refused, and denied refused to recognize him as king. Consequently, Shahpur set out with his army, but was killed, apparently accidentally, by a falling building. Upon learning of Shahpur's death, Artaxerxes advanced to Stakhr, where he was acclaimed king by his other brothers.