Sasanian Empire, Kavad I (488-531 AD), AR Drachm

Kavad I (AD 488–496 and 498/499–531) was a powerful ruler of the Sasanian Empire and the son of Emperor Peroz I. Deposed by the nobility after supporting the controversial Mazdakite reform movement, he escaped imprisonment and regained his throne with Hephthalite assistance. During his second reign, Kavad strengthened royal authority, introduced important administrative and fiscal reforms, and fought several wars against the Byzantine Empire. His reforms prepared the way for the successful reign of his son, Khosrow I.

Kavad’s coinage consists mainly of silver drachms showing his crowned bust on the obverse and the traditional Zoroastrian fire altar with two attendants on the reverse. Mint signatures and regnal dates make these coins particularly valuable for reconstructing the chronology and administrative geography of his long reign. Variations in his crown and coin designs can also help distinguish issues from his first and second reigns.