Dirham of Khusrau II, Darabjird c. 590 - 628

Curator: Here we have a dirham, a silver coin, of Khusrau II, minted in Darabjird. It weighs a mere 3.26 grams. Editor: It feels weighty somehow, doesn’t it? Like a tangible connection to a distant power, even in its worn condition. Curator: Absolutely. Khusrau II reigned during a tumultuous period in Sasanian history, marked by wars, religious shifts, and social upheaval. Editor: The iconography is striking. The ruler’s profile, encircled by what appear to be stylized wings or ribbons… it evokes a sense of divine right, doesn't it? Almost a solar symbol. Curator: It underscores the king’s ambition to project authority, which, in context, aimed to legitimize a regime facing internal strife and external threats. Editor: And though small, this coin served as a potent symbol, circulating economic and cultural messages across a vast empire. Curator: It's a reminder of the layers of power and belief embedded within seemingly simple objects. Editor: Precisely, revealing a lot about how Khusrau II wanted to be seen, and how that intersected with the realities of his time.