# 1 Drachm of Shapur I, from Seleucia ad Tigrim, Yale University Art Gallery, inv. 1938.6000.47 > YUAG 79151; archaeological artifact excavated in Dura-Europos by the Yale-French team, 1928-1937, Syria **Wikidata**: [Q100472435](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100472435) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/1-drachm-of-shapur-i-from-seleucia-ad-tigrim-yale-university-art-gallery-inv-1938-6000-47 ## Summary 1 Drachm of Shapur I, from Seleucia ad Tigrim, Yale University Art Gallery, inv. 1938.6000.47, is a silver coin minted in the 3rd century CE by Shapur I, ruler of the Sasanian Empire. Excavated in Dura-Europos, Syria, by the Yale-French team between 1928 and 1937, it is classified as an archaeological artifact, coin, and currency. The coin weighs 3.47 grams, has a diameter of 24.5 millimeters, and is in the public domain. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Archaeological artifact, coin, and currency. - **Material**: Silver. - **Denomination**: Ancient drachma. - **Mass**: 3.47 grams. - **Diameter**: 24.5 millimeters. - **Die Axis**: 90 degrees. - **Time Period**: 3rd century CE. - **Location of Creation**: Seleucia ad Tigrim. - **Location of Discovery**: Dura-Europos, Syria. - **Excavation Period**: 1928–1937. - **Excavation Team**: Yale-French team. - **Collection**: Yale University Art Gallery, inventory number 1938.6000.47. - **Copyright Status**: Public domain. - **IIIF Manifest URL**: [https://manifests.collections.yale.edu/yuag/obj/79151](https://manifests.collections.yale.edu/yuag/obj/79151). - **Image**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/1_Drachm_of_Shapur_I_from_Seleucia_ad_Tigrim,_Yale_University_Art_Gallery,_inv._1938.6000.47_-_YDEA_-_79151.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/1_Drachm_of_Shapur_I_from_Seleucia_ad_Tigrim,_Yale_University_Art_Gallery,_inv._1938.6000.47_-_YDEA_-_79151.jpg). - **Yale University Art Gallery ID**: 79151. - **Wikidata Description**: YUAG 79151; archaeological artifact excavated in Dura-Europos by the Yale-French team, 1928–1937, Syria. ## FAQs **What is the significance of 1 Drachm of Shapur I, from Seleucia ad Tigrim, Yale University Art Gallery, inv. 1938.6000.47?** This coin is a rare archaeological artifact that provides insight into the monetary system of the Sasanian Empire during the 3rd century CE. Its discovery in Dura-Europos offers valuable historical context for understanding regional trade and economic practices. **Where was this coin excavated, and by whom?** The coin was excavated in Dura-Europos, Syria, by the Yale-French team between 1928 and 1937. It is now part of the Yale University Art Gallery collection. **What are the physical characteristics of the coin?** The coin is made of silver, weighs 3.47 grams, has a diameter of 24.5 millimeters, and a die axis of 90 degrees. It is in the public domain. **Who minted this coin, and when?** The coin was minted by Shapur I, ruler of the Sasanian Empire, in the 3rd century CE. It is denominated as an ancient drachma. **What is the inventory number of this coin in the Yale University Art Gallery?** The coin is cataloged as inventory number 1938.6000.47 in the Yale University Art Gallery. ## Why It Matters 1 Drachm of Shapur I, from Seleucia ad Tigrim, Yale University Art Gallery, inv. 1938.6000.47, is a significant artifact for understanding the monetary history of the Sasanian Empire. As a silver drachma minted in the 3rd century CE, it provides tangible evidence of the economic practices and trade networks of the time. Its discovery in Dura-Europos, a key archaeological site, enriches our understanding of regional history and the evolution of currency systems. The coin’s preservation in the Yale University Art Gallery ensures its continued study and accessibility to researchers and the public. ## Notable For - **Historical Significance**: Offers insights into the monetary system of the Sasanian Empire. - **Archaeological Discovery**: Excavated in Dura-Europos, a critical site for understanding ancient trade and culture. - **Physical Characteristics**: Weighs 3.47 grams, has a diameter of 24.5 millimeters, and a die axis of 90 degrees. - **Public Domain Status**: Freely accessible for research and educational purposes. - **IIIF Manifest Integration**: Provides a digital representation for online access and study. ## Body ### Classification and Description 1 Drachm of Shapur I, from Seleucia ad Tigrim, Yale University Art Gallery, inv. 1938.6000.47, is classified as an archaeological artifact, coin, and currency. It is denominated as an ancient drachma and made of silver. The coin weighs 3.47 grams and has a diameter of 24.5 millimeters. Its die axis is 90 degrees, indicating the orientation of the die used in its production. ### Historical Context The coin was minted by Shapur I, ruler of the Sasanian Empire, in the 3rd century CE. It was created in Seleucia ad Tigrim and later discovered in Dura-Europos, Syria. The Yale-French team excavated the site between 1928 and 1937, recovering the coin and adding it to the Yale University Art Gallery collection. ### Physical and Technical Details The coin is cataloged as inventory number 1938.6000.47 in the Yale University Art Gallery. It is in the public domain, allowing for widespread access and study. The coin’s physical characteristics, including its silver composition and precise measurements, make it a valuable resource for numismatic research. ### Digital Representation The coin is represented digitally through an IIIF manifest, which provides a high-resolution image and additional metadata. This digital representation ensures that the coin can be accessed and studied online, enhancing its accessibility to researchers and the public. ### Significance and Impact 1 Drachm of Shapur I, from Seleucia ad Tigrim, Yale University Art Gallery, inv. 1938.6000.47, is notable for its historical significance and the insights it provides into the monetary system of the Sasanian Empire. Its discovery in Dura-Europos offers a unique perspective on ancient trade and economic practices. The coin’s preservation in the Yale University Art Gallery ensures its continued study and accessibility, making it a valuable resource for researchers and the public. ## References 1. [Source](https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/79151) 2. [Source](https://manifests.collections.yale.edu/yuag/obj/79151)