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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
90, Lot: 28. Estimate $150.
Sold for $90. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates II. Circa October 122 - October 91 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 3.99 gm). Ekbatana mint. Struck circa 96/5-91 BC. Diademed bust left, wearing tiara; neck torque ends in sea-horse / Arsakes I seated right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 28.3 var. (torque); cf. Shore 97; BMC Parthia pg. 34, 106. Good VF, toned, small dig in obverse field.

From the Bellaria Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 22 (25-26 May 1982), lot 151.

As a direct result of Mithradates’ successful wars, leading to the expansion of the Parthian Empire, he was obliged to install subordinate local rulers, and consequently adopt the title “King of Kings”. This was inaugurated in the S27 series of silver and bronze coinage, circa 109 BC. According to the “annual” Susa bronze issues, Mithradates’ new tiara portraits were introduced circa 96/5 BC, and comprised the S28 - S29 series--the final issues which lasted until the end of his reign.

See lot 13 for further notes on the reign and coinage of this king.