36 On the Greek Coins in the _[Jan. 
Another. Plain head-dress and device very rude, BAIIArrS OAIIATAN 
AIIVNO fvylIIN AIXAIOV ..KANOVC. 
In this the knowledge of the Greek letters seems 
very fast declining, and it is almost impossible to re- 
cognize the inscription to be identical with that of fig. 11. 
Another. The same, but more legible; under the bow of all these 
there is a kind of altar formed like the letter A 
The average weight of the above Arsacide drachme 
is 60 grs. 
Besides the devices given above, Col. Wilson had one head similar 
to fig. 1, with the symbols of the sun and the moon, and a star (fig. 
4,) referred by Vaillant to Arsaces Artabanus (I. 221), and another 
with two small victories, holding wreaths over the head (fig. 3), which 
is not found in Vaillant. 
Sassanian Coins. 
The Sassanian monarchy in Persia commenced with the year 223, 
A. D. when Artaxerxes overturned the Parthian dynasty. It continued 
until itself overturned by the Mahomedan caliphs in the year a. p. 636. 
No mode of adjusting the numismatology of this period can be attempt- 
ed until we are able to read the ancient Peh/evi characters in which their 
legends are expressed. Perhaps ifa considerable collection of these 
coins was made (and they seem to be very common in Persia), some 
key might be discovered to the value of the alphabet, for the titles 
will be alike in all, and the names are known from history. It seems 
a great reflection upon the art, that the coinage of the celebrated Nou- 
shirvan should not be known even to his countrymen. 
Fig. 9.—A silver coin in the cabinet of the As. Soc. 
Obverse. The head of the king facing the left, with curly beard, 
and a large tuft of curly hair: a peculiar crown or cap 
with two feathers behind : around it a legend in Pehlevi 
characters, very distinct, but the purport unknown: it is 
given more clearly in A. 
Reverse. _A fire altar (mithras), with two priests or defenders, bear- 
ing swords or sceptres. 
Another coin, similar, and inscription partly identical. (B) 
Fig. 10.—Another similar com. In lieu of the sacred fire on the 
altar is substituted the head of a king: little of the le- 
gend is visible. 
In Colonel Wilson’s collection are one or two more of a similar 
character, but the fire is the most common symbol: the legend on one 
of his (C) differs from the two above given in part, but one word is evi- 
