Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 141. Estimate CHF6000.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF5400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Phraates III. Circa 70/69-58/7 BC. Drachm (Silver, 4.13 g 12), Rhagae, circa 63/2-62/1. Diademed facing bust, with trim beard, elaborate robes and a necklace with a central medallion. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ // ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ // ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ / ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ // ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ / ΚΑΙ / ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ Arsakes I seated right on throne, holding bow; below bow, monogram of Rhagae. Sellwood (Darius?) 35.7. Shore 165. A spectacular example of a rare coin, with a wonderfully evocative portrait. One of the very finest coins of this type in existence. Beautifully toned and struck on full, large flan, virtually as struck.

This coin type has had a variety of attributions but its assignment to Phraates III now seems to be fairly certain. This is one of the most attractive of all Parthian coins and bears a facing portrait of remarkably good workmanship.