Orodes II’s Victory Over Mithradates IV

Sale: CNG 79, Lot: 487. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2008.  Sold For $750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Orodes II. Circa 57-38 BC. AR Drachm (4.02 g, 1h). Ekbatana mint. Diademed and draped bust left; behind, Nike flying left, crowning him / Archer (Arsakes I) seated right, holding bow; monogram below bow. Sellwood 42.1; Shore 218. VF. Struck on good metal. Rare.

This rare issue, marked by Nike’s appearance on the obverse, likely commemorates Orodes II's victory over his brother, Mithradates IV, with whom he had ruled Parthia after the pair killed their father, Phraates III.