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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
151, Lot: 123. Estimate $75.
Sold for $111. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Artabanos II. Circa 75-62 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 3.13 g). Rhagae mint. Diademed bust left / Arsakes I seated right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 30.16 (Unknown king); Shore 134 (Orodes I). VF, rough surfaces.

The S30 series of drachms contains issues with full mint names and one with probably the monogram of Mithradatkart, 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 skillful 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).