352 353
352
Artabanus III (126-122 BC), Silver Drachm, 4.44g, 12h. Minted at Rhagae. Diademed and bearded bust left,
wearing multi-turn torque, monogram PA behind head, dotted border. Rev. Archer seated right on omphalos,
four-line inscription
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟY
(right)
ΑΡΣΑΚΟY ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟY
(left) (S 20.4 (Artabanus I)).
Good fine/very fine.
Extremely
rare
.
$ 1,200
353
Artabanus III (126-122 BC), Silver Drachm, 4.17g, 12h. Minted at Ecbatana. Diademed and bearded bust left,
wearing multi-turn torque, composite monogram behind head, dotted border. Rev. Archer seated right on
omphalos, five-line inscription
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟY
(right)
ΑΡΣΑΚΟY ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟY ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ
(left), monogram or Arsacid Era date
EKP
(125 AE, 123/4 BC) in exergue (S 22.2 (Artabanus I)). Good fine,
well centred on both sides, exergual date/monogram on reverse very clear.
Extremely rare.
$ 2,500
354 355
354
Mithradates II (121-91 BC), Silver Drachm, 3.73g, 12h. Minted at Margiane. Diademed and medium bearded
bust left, pellet ended spiral torque, monogram MP behind head, dotted border. Rev. Archer seated right on
omphalos, four-line inscription
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟY ΕΠIΦΑNOYΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ
(S 23.3 (attributed to
Ecbatana)). Good fine.
Extremely
rare
.
$ 950
355
Mithradates II (121-91 BC), Silver Drachm, 3.62g, 12h. Minted at Ecbatana. Diademed and medium bearded
bust left, pellet ended spiral torque, dotted border. Rev. Archer seated right on omphalos, four-line inscription
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟY ΑΡΣΑΚΟY ΣΩTΗPΟΣ
(S 25.1). Good fine/very fine.
Extremely Rare.
$ 1,800
This issue was minted in 119-118 BC to celebrate Mithradates’ triumph over the marauding Sacae (Sacaraucae) who had earlier
defeated and slain both Phraates II and Artabanus III, marching as far as northern Mesopotamia. Hence the epithet ΣΩTΗPΟΣ,
“the Saviour (of Parthia)”. See also the commentary under lot 291.
356 357
356
Mithradates II (121-91 BC), Silver Drachm, 4.06g, 12h. Minted at Rhagae. Diademed and medium bearded
bust left, pellet ended spiral torque, monogram PA behind head, dotted border. Rev. Archer seated right on
omphalos, four-line inscription
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟY ΑΡΣΑΚΟY ΣΩTΗPΟΣ
(S 25.1 var, different mint).
Good fine.
Unique.
$ 2,800
On the historical significance of this issue see the commentary under lot 355.
357
Mithradates II (121-91 BC), Silver Drachm, 3.03g, 12h. Minted at an uncertain east Parthian mint. Diademed
and medium bearded bust left, pellet ended spiral torque, dotted border. Rev. Archer seated right on omphalos,
four-line inscription
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟY ΑΡΣΑΚΟY ΣΩTΗPΟΣ
(S 25.1 var, different mint). Good fine.
Unique.
$ 800
On the historical significance of this issue see the commentary under lot 355.
