TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have seized a collection of centuries-old coins from an antique dealer who had illegally kept the relics.

A total of 60 coins dating from the Safavid era (1501-1736) have been confiscated by the police forces in Kerman province, IRNA quoted a provincial police commander as saying on Monday.

In that regard, one individual was detained and surrendered to the judicial system for further investigation and trial, the commander said.

Safavid coinage had deep roots in the traditions practiced before and after the Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century, which led to the fall of the Sasanian Empire in Iran around 651 and ultimately the decline of Zarathustra.

In coinage, the Muslim conquerors initially copied the coins of their predecessors. On the one hand, they produced gold and copper pieces, imitating modern Byzantine coins, and the cross on the obverse was slightly adapted to Muslim sensibilities in the western provinces.

It is worth mentioning that in about 220 CE the Sasanian dynasty of Iran introduced the concept of thin flan coins, issues that were struck in relief on both sides.

The big and sprawling Kerman province is something of a cultural melting pot, blending various regional cultures over time. It is also home to rich tourist spots and historical sites, including bazaars, mosques, caravanserais, and ruins of ancient urban areas.

AM