Sale: Triton VII, Lot: 434. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Monday, 12 January 2004.  Sold For $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Artabanos II. April 75 - 62/1 BC. AR Drachm (4.12 gm). Nisa mint. Diademed bust left / BASILEWS M-EGALOU ARSAKOU QEOPATOROS [E]UERGETO[U], Arsakes I seated right on throne, holding bow, NICAIA on outer right of legend. Sellwood 30.24 var. (Unknown king; NISAIA); Shore -; BMC Parthia -; MACW 524 var. (Orodes I; same). Toned VF. Rare issue with mint name. ($300)

Ex Dr. Mesrop Abgarians Collection (Malter 51, 2 June 1993), lot 236.

The S30 series of drachms contains issues with full mint names (S30.18, S30.21-2, S30.24-5, and S30.28-9), and one with probably the monogram of Mithradatkart (S30.30), which Dr. Assar calls “campaign” coins. These are quite rare and with the exception of examples from Ekbatana and Rhagae, were struck from unprofessionally executed dies implying lack of bullion and skilful artisans. [Dr. Assar believes] that while some or all of these varieties may have been issued during Artabanus’ long Parthian campaigns against Sinatrukes and then his son and successor, Phraates III, (circa 77-67/6 BC), some were also minted later to finance his invasion of the kingdom to reclaim the throne (circa 62 BC).