★ Virtually as struck ★

ISLAMIC, 'Abbasid Caliphate. temp. Al-Rashid, AH 170-193 / AD 786-809. Hemidrachm (Silver, 23 mm, 2.01 g, 9 h), citing the governor of Tabaristan, Hani (AH 172-174 = AD 788-790), Tabaristan, PYE 137 = AH 172 = AD 788. Crowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, 'Hani' in Kufic; in outer margin, APD / NWKW ('excellent' and 'good' in Pahlawi). Rev. Sasanian fire altar set on three steps, flanked by two attendants standing facing; to left, date; to right, mint TPURSTAN ('Tabaristan' in Pahlawi). Album 69. SICA I, 437. Walker, Arab-Sassanian, 291. A lustrous and very attractive example. Virtually as struck.