From Zoroastrian to Islamic Iran: a note on the Christian intermezzo

Abstract

This essay discusses several Iranian copper coins with Christian symbols and slogans in the
context of the transition period from Sasanian to Islamic Iran in the 7
th century CE. It is suggested
that these coins demonstrate the power of the local Christian community in the province of Pārs and
their ability to mint these coins which were circulated in the local economy. It appears that the
Christians were able to mint coins, either with the invasion of the Roman Emperor, Heraclius in the
late 620s, or during the period of Arab Muslim conquest. While the first possibility would suggest the
capability of the Christians to mint coins in a time of chaos in Ērānšahr, the latter choice suggests the
working of the local Christian community with the conquerors in the province of Pārs.