🔥LOT 630 - Tabaristan Umar AR Hemidrachm AD 771-780 NGC Ch AU Silk Road Hoard

Struck in the rugged mountainous region of Tabaristan along the southern Caspian Sea, this AR Hemidrachm of Umar (AD 771–780) represents one of the most historically compelling transitional coinages of the early Islamic world. These issues continued the Sasanian-style portrait and fire altar imagery even after Arab conquest, reflecting the complex cultural continuity of Persia under early Islamic governance. Rather than abandoning prior iconography, Tabaristan rulers retained deeply rooted Zoroastrian visual traditions while integrating Islamic authority — creating a fascinating hybrid coinage that speaks directly to the Silk Road era.

This certified Choice AU example is from the Silk Road Hoard and is encapsulated by NGC Ancients (certification #3599554-136). The obverse bust remains sharply defined, with crown elements, facial features, and surrounding Pahlavi inscriptions clearly visible and well-centered for the type. The reverse fire altar is strong and complete, with attendants and altar flames well articulated. The surfaces display attractive natural silver tone with light circulation consistent with the Ch AU grade, free from tooling or artificial enhancement. For an 8th century hand-struck piece, preservation is notably strong.

🧾 Item Details

• Ruler: Umar

• Region: Tabaristan (Northern Iran)

• Date: AD 771–780

• Denomination: AR Hemidrachm

• Composition: Silver

• Certification: NGC Ancients

• Grade: Choice AU

• Certification Number: 3599554-136

• Pedigree: Silk Road Hoard

• Era: Medieval Islamic (Arab-Sasanian Transitional)

• Country of Origin: Iran

✨ Highlights & Features

• Certified NGC Ancients Choice AU example

• From the notable Silk Road Hoard

• Transitional Arab-Sasanian issue retaining Sasanian portrait and fire altar types

• Strong obverse bust detail with clear Pahlavi legends

• Well-defined reverse altar and attendants

• Attractive original silver surfaces with natural tone

• Hand-struck medieval issue with excellent centering for the series

• A historically rich Silk Road-era coin bridging Persian and Islamic numismatic traditions

📖 A Short Story for Collectors

Tabaristan coinage is among the most intellectually engaging areas of early Islamic numismatics. Unlike standard Umayyad silver issues, these coins preserve the iconographic memory of the Sasanian Empire while operating under Islamic rule. They represent a period of adaptation rather than replacement — a visual negotiation between empires.

The Silk Road Hoard connection adds another layer of significance. Coins like this circulated along the great trade arteries linking the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. Holding this piece is holding a fragment of that vast exchange network — commerce, culture, and political transformation struck in silver.

Certified examples in Choice AU condition are especially desirable because they offer strong detail without sacrificing authenticity or originality. This is a collector-grade example that balances historical depth with visual strength.

💰 Pricing & Offer Guidance

NGC-certified Tabaristan Umar hemidrachms from recognized hoards command stronger demand than raw examples due to authentication, grade stability, and pedigree appeal. Choice AU preservation with clear devices and balanced centering places this example toward the upper tier of collectible quality for the type.

This piece is positioned to reflect its certified status, Silk Road Hoard attribution, and strong eye appeal within the Arab-Sasanian specialist market. Reasonable and serious offers are welcomed. Clean, decisive offers receive priority review.

📸 Photos & Authenticity

• Photos were taken using professional DSLR studio equipment and show the exact item you will receive.

• No filters or manipulative editing have been used.

• This item is accurately represented and described to the best of my ability.

🚚 Shipping & Returns

• Ships via FREE USPS Priority Mail, providing a fast, secure, professional first-class business shipping experience 

• Tracking included. Your item will be carefully packaged for safe transit. 

• Returns are accepted only if authenticity is ever in question.

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🔑 Keywords

Tabaristan Umar AR Hemidrachm AD 771-780 NGC Ch AU Silk Road Hoard Arab Sasanian Islamic silver medieval Persian fire altar coin Iran NGC Ancients certified ancient coin MT CnC LOT 630