Lot 92
Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates II, c. 123-91 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.68 g), Seleucia-on-the-Tigris mint, struck c. 119-109 BC. Diademed, bearded bust left, wearing embellished jacket, with torque at neck. Reverse: Arsakes I, in ethnic garb, seated right on omphalos and holding up bow, all within square formed by legend; A-P-T monogram behind, upright palm to right of legend. Sellwood 24.5; Shore 68; Nicely centered and well struck up on spacious flan. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
The Parthians were the arch (or should we say archer?) enemies of Rome for several centuries. While the silver drachms are most often seen, tetradrachms and bronzes were also issued; there are no gold coins known of this kingdom, encompassing modern Iran and surrounding territories. Many different city-mints were employed, along with traveling military and court mints. Early silver tetradrachms were all very rare and generally in circulated condition until a sizable hoard was unearthed about 15 years ago. Today, this group has been dispersed throughout the world, and occurrences in the modern marketplace are seldom for these glorious, quasi-medallion, Hellenistic portrait coins.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
Ex Millennia Sale, lot 60.
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