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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 

Parthian Tiara Hemidrachm

196, Lot: 83. Estimate $500.
Sold for $493. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SASANIAN KINGS. Ardashir I. AD 223/4-240. AR Hemidrachm (17mm, 1.78 g, 3h). Mint C ('Ctesiphon'). Phase 2c, circa AD 224-229/30. Draped bust right, wearing Parthian-style tiara; ribbed diadem ends / Fire altar; flames 1, ribbed ribbons. SNS Type IIa(3a)/3a(2b), -; Göbl II/1/2; Alram 665; Paruck 19. Near VF, toned, a few light cleaning marks. Extremely rare denomination for Parthian-tiara issue (see Triton VII, lot 553, for a similar coin with a hammer of $775).


This issue was struck upon Ardashir's assumption of the title "king of kings" (Phase 2c coinage), which he assumed following his final defeat of the Parthian resistance in 224 AD. Ardashir is depicted wearing the Parthian tiara, which was presumably placed on his portraits following his defeat of Artabanus at Hormizdugan. Although this type is not uncommon among Ardashir's drachms, hemidrachms are extremely rare. This particular type is unpublished in any denomination for Mint C. The tiara with to outer and two inner rings of pellets are only listed as a variety at Mint B. However, the ribbed diadem and ribbons is a basic feature of Mint C coins, and never present at Mint B. Therefore, it is most likely that this is a coin of Mint C, and the tiara is simply an unknown variety for this mint.