Sixth king of the Arsacid dynasty, Phraates II took the throne on the death of his father, Mithradates I in 138 B.C.1 He can be assumed to have been very young, for his mother, whose name was Ri-'nu, acted as regent.2 He was succeeded by his uncle, Artabanus I, son of Phriapatius.3 He was the brother of Sinatruces, possibly adopted because of the large disparity in their ages. See the genealogy chart.
Babylonia remained in the hands of the Parthians until 131 B.C., but Phraates II's coinage shows he spent little time there since he was occupied with campaigns against nomadic invaders in the east.4 Refer to Wroth, Parthia, pp. 16-19, where the predominance of Phraates II's coinage is drachm coins, probably from the eastern mints. No coins of Phraates II have been found at Seleucia.5
Phraates held Demetrius captive as had his father, and eventually sent him to fight against Demetrius' brother, Antiochus VII Sidetes, in 130 B.C., who sought to regain the eastern Seleucid provinces and remove Demetrius as a threat to his throne. After several convincing victories which secured Babylonia, some other Parthian dependencies believed Parthia in trouble and joined with Antiochus VII. But after wintering in Ecbatana, Antiochus was defeated and killed by the Parthians who also captured Antiochus' son and Demetrius' daughter, who was taken into Phraates' harem. Demetrius escaped into Syria, but this was the last attempt of a Seleucid monarch to regain the lost eastern provinces.6
After retaking Mesopotamia, Phraates II's plan to follow up on his victories and invade Syria was abandoned due to a Saka uprising in the east. Phraates II appointed Himerus governor of Mesopotamia and moved to face the invading forces. Lack of a specific mention of Phraates II's presence in Mesopotamia may indicate that Phraates was already in the east fighting the Saka in 130 B.C. The invasion would appear to have come over the Silk Route leading to Mesopotamia through Merv, Hecatompylos and Ecbatana. When the Saka met strong resistance they appear to have invaded southward through Merv, Herat and Seistan, leading to India.7 Phraates' army contained captured Greeks whom he treated with great cruelty; they deserted the Parthians in battle in 128/127 B.C., causing a massacre in which Phraates II was killed.
Click here to view the inscriptions on this king's coins.
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Notes:
1. Justin XLIII, 1, 1
2. Clay, Babylonian Records, no. 53 and p. 13. Ri-'nu is known, in broken context, from a cuneiform text (date also broken off) and is, therefore, incomplete
3. Justin XLII, 2, 1. Justin calls his successor Artabanus II.
4. Debevoise, p. 30
5. McDowell, Coins from Seleucia, pp. 182ff.
6. Debevoise, 35
7. Tarn, Seleucid-Parthian Studies, pp. 117ff.
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The attributions and cataloging of Parthian coins used throughout this web site follow David Sellwood's An Introduction to the Coinage of Parthia (1980, 2nd edition) for consistency. The few exceptions to this policy are explained here.
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 16.32g (PDC 20161) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left; in field left, monogram [~]; in exergue, Greek letters ΒΑ; circular border of pellets; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Note: Example 2 (Berlin) Photo from Catalogue of the Coins of Parthia (BMC Parthia, 1903) - Sellwood 14.1 [3 in db] - BMC Parthia, p. 16 (Berlin); plate 4, no. 1 (Phraates II) (this coin) - Berlin Cabinet, Zeit. f. Num., i., p.305 (this coin) - de Morgan, Manuel de Numismatique Orientale, fig. 225 (as Viceroy Arsacide of Elymais) - Friedländer & von Sallet, Das Konigliche Munzkabinet (1877), 484 (this coin) - Gardner, The Parthian Coinage p.27 and pl.1, 12 (this coin) - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), pl.X, no. A (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 16.32g (PDC 7265) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left; in field left, monogram [~]; in exergue, Greek letters ΒΑ; circular border of pellets; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Note: Example 2 (Berlin) Photo from Jacques de Morgan, Manuel de numismatique orientale de l'antiquité et du moyen-âge, vol. 1 (1923) - Sellwood 14.1 [3 in db] - de Morgan, Numismatique Orientale, fig. 225 (as Viceroy Arsacide of Elymais) (this coin) - Berlin Cabinet, Zeit. f. Num., i., p.305 (this coin) - BMC Parthia p.16, no number; pl.4, 1 - Gardner, The Parthian Coinage p.27 and pl.1, 12 - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), pl.X, no. A |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 16.73g (PDC 12485) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left; in field left, monogram [~]; in exergue, monogram ΡΠ; circular border of pellets; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Note: Example 1 (where?) Photo from Georges Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965) - Sellwood 14.2 [1 in db] - Assar, G.R.F. "Recent Studies in Parthian History: Part II", The Celator vol. 15, 1 (Jan 2001), fig. 4 (this coin) - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), pl.10, no. B (this coin) - Seyrig, Trésors du Levant, 30.325 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous (PDC 27991) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: goddess standing left, holding scepter; [border?]; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ - Sellwood 14.3 [2 in db] - Sellwood ICP (1980), type 14.3 (this coin) - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), 109 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous (PDC 27990) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: horse head right; [border?]; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ - Sellwood 14.4 [0 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 1.50g 14mm 1h (PDC 34931) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: Hermes standing left; [border?]; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Note: 15 Provenance: ex Najaf Coins & Collectibles Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 14.5 [1 in db] - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), 109 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 2.04g 14mm 12h (PDC 34949) Mint: Susa Obv: lightly-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; irregular die axes; circular reel and pellet border Rev: head of bull facing; [border?]; two-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Note: 33 Provenance: ex Najaf Coins & Collectibles Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 14.6 [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm (PDC 27993) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ - Sellwood 15.1 [2 in db] - Sellwood ICP (1980), type 15.1 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.06g (PDC 31682) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 15.2 [4 in db] - Peus 384 (1 Nov 2005), Lot 368 (this coin) - CNG 36, lot 40 (this coin) - Shore 40 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.05g (PDC 11454) Mint? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 15.2 variant (eastern mint?) [1 in db] - CNG 58, lot 748 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.91g (PDC 5939) Mint: Mithradatkart or Margiane? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind head, Greek letters Ι over Μ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 15.2 variant (obv monogram ΙΜ) [3 in db] - Peus 366, Lot 245 (this coin) - Peus 384 (1 Nov 2005), lot 369 (this coin) - Shore not listed - Triton XIII (5 Jan 2010), lot 535 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.13g (PDC 20722) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 15.3 [4 in db] - Peus 376 (Oct 2003), Lot 591 (this coin) - Shore not listed |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Obol 0.61g (PDC 9230) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: two caps of the Dioscuri and two palm fronds; no border; inscription [two lines?] = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Note: Petrowicz Cond/Rarity: C2, RR Previous collection: Petrowicz; S. Alichan, Constantinople Current collection: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, plaster cast on glass plate for Samm. Petrowicz (1904) Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 15.4 [2 in db] - Petrowicz p.18,2; pl.II-2 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Obol 0.51g (PDC 23285) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand, sighting along bow string; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Current collection: David Sellwood, 2022 (Tray 24) Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 15.4 variant (archer reverse) [2 in db] - Sellwood 1998, Parthians & Scythians, fig. 1 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 2.79g (PDC 6333) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Previous collection: Petrowicz Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, nc 50 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 15.5 [16 in db] - Ars Classica XII (1926), lot 2111 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 5.25g 17mm (PDC 46394) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; no border; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Najaf Coins & Collectibles - Sellwood 15.5 variant (4-line legend) [3 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 2.90g (PDC 6331) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; [border?]; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Previous collection: Petrowicz Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, nc 48 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 15.6 [6 in db] - Ars Classica XII (1926), lot 2103 (=5) (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 1.7g 14mm (PDC 29917) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Photo by Canmoose Coins - Sellwood 15.6 variant (4-line legend) [1 in db] - BMC Parthia p.18, 27; pl.IV, 10 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous (PDC 47315) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: elephant standing right; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ - Sellwood 15.7 [0 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 3.95g (PDC 39514) Mint? Obv: lightly-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: elephant standing right; no border; three-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Previous collection: Robert Gonnella Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 15.7 variant (dichalkous) [1 in db] - Peus 388 (1 Nov 2006), lot 307 (this coin) - M&M AG Basel List 554 (1992), lot 255 (this coin) - Sammlung Gonnella: Münzen Der Arsakiden (2008), 45 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.97g (PDC 20723) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 16.1 [38 in db] - Peus 376 (Oct 2003), Lot 592 (this coin) - Peus 378 (28 Apr 2003), lot 309 (this coin) - Peus 382 (26 Apr 2005), lot 246 (this coin) - Shore 41 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.81g (PDC 6888) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ has inverted Ρ in four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: [?] all obv. die. Sigma and Omega of ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ are rotated 90 deg. CCW; Rho of ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ is inverted Previous collection: R.C. Senior Current collection: Ashmolean Museum, Senior 5433 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.1 variant (ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ has inverted Ρ) [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.33g (PDC 39516) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with dividing lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: Robert Gonnella Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 16.2 [12 in db] - Peus 388 (1 Nov 2006), lot 310 (this coin) - Peus 334 (1992), lot 554 (this coin) - Sammlung Gonnella: Münzen Der Arsakiden (2008), 47 (this coin) - Shore 42 - Triton XIII (5 Jan 2010), lot 537 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.96g (PDC 21534) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, monogram Α; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: Bellaria Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.3 [16 in db] - Triton VII (12 Jan 2004), lot 409 (this coin) - BMC Parthia p.17, 6 - Mitchiner ACW not listed - Peus 333 (6-11 May 1992), lot 397 (this coin) - Shore 43 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.40g (PDC 6321) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, monogram Α; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with dividing lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, JdM 27 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.3 variant (legend with dividing lines) [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.06g (PDC 6313) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; in exergue, Greek monogram ΓΑ; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: Anct exposé 1864; Monogram in exergue Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, nc 44 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.4 [6 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm (PDC 13882) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; in exergue, Greek monogram ΡΑΓ; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: Lindsay p.164: "ΡΑΓ" in the exergue; perhaps it is the monogram described by Sellwood 16.4 but weakly struck Photo from A view of the history and coinage of the Parthians (1852), by John Lindsay - Sellwood 16.4 variant (monogram ΡΑΓ) [1 in db] - John Lindsay (1852), plate 1, no 9 Arsaces IV (Phraapatius) (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.01g 19mm (PDC 42029) Mint: Rhagae Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, monogram ΑΡ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.5 [11 in db] - CNG E-Auction 155 (3 Jan 2007), lot 104 (this coin) - Shore not listed |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.29g (PDC 17945) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙ read from inside; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 16.6 [6 in db] - Peus 374 (Apr 2003), Lot 137 (this coin) - Gorny & Mosch Auktion 134, lot 1603 (this coin) - Peus 372 (Oct 2002), lot 607 (this coin) - Peus 376 (Oct 2003), lot 595 (this coin) - Shore 45 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.94g (PDC 2709) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙ in retrograde; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ - Sellwood 16.6 variant (retrograde ΝΙ) [5 in db] - Shore 47 (this coin) - CNG 36 (5-6 Dec 1995), lot 47 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.35g 12h (PDC 59648) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΑΙ(?) read from inside; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: Todd A. Ballen Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.6 variant (ΑΙ?) [1 in db] - Triton XIII (5 Jan 2010), lot 538 (this coin) - Peus 386 (26-28 April 2006), lot 386 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.68g (PDC 8627) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙϹ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 22946 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.7 [1 in db] - BMC Parthia p.17, 13 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.500g 21mm 12h (PDC 4490) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙϹΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Find spot: Media 1923|IGCH.1813 Previous collection: Dr. E. Herzfeld Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1944.100.82095 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.8 [11 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.18g (PDC 18163) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙϹΑΙΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.9 [5 in db] - CNG 63 (21 May 2003), lot 869 (this coin) - Shore 49 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.06g (PDC 33960) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙϹΑΚ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 16.9 variant (obv legend ΝΙϹΑΚ) [1 in db] - Peus 386 (26-28 April 2006), lot 387 (this coin) - Shore 49 variant (obv. legend) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.990g 20mm 12h (PDC 4473) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters IN; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Find spot: Media 1923|IGCH.1813 Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1944.100.82099 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.10 [9 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.46g (PDC 46580) Mint: Tambrax Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΤΑΜ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: R. Sussmeyer Photo by Jean Elsen s.a. - Sellwood 16.11 [112 in db] - Elsen 93 (15 Sep 2007), lot 470 (this coin) - Peus 330 (24 Apr 1991), lot 182 (this coin) - Shore 50 - SNG Cop. 19 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 2.83g 20mm (PDC 12122) Mint: Tambrax Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΜΑΤ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Find spot: GarryKiariz hoard - Sellwood 16.11 variant (obv ΜΑΤ) [1 in db] - Loginov & Nikitin, Parthian Coins from Margiana (1996), no. 1 (this coin) - V N. Pilipko, "Klad Parfianskih monet iz Garry-Kiariza," VDI (1976.2), p. 116, pl. 2, no. 28 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 2.97g (PDC 2713) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΤΜΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ / ΤΜΑ - Sellwood 16.11 variant (obv ΤΜΑ) [2 in db] - Shore 51 (this coin) - CNG 36 (5-6 Dec 1995), lot 51 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 2.610g 19mm 12h (PDC 4482) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΤΜΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription has ΑΕΣΑΚΟΥ vice ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩ[Σ] ΜΕΓΑΛΟ[Υ] ΑΕΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟ[Σ] Previous collection: Col. Biddulph Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1944.100.82101 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.11 variant (obv ΤΜΑ; rev legend ΑΕΣΑΚΟΥ vice ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ) [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.9g (PDC 12703) Mint: Tambrax Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΤΜΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ends with inverted Υ in the four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Najaf Coins & Collectibles - Sellwood 16.11 variant (ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ends with inverted Υ) [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.2g 19mm (PDC 11923) Mint: Apamea-Rhagiane? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΛΠΛ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Louis DiLauro - Sellwood 16.12 [4 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.85g (PDC 2714) Mint: Apamea-Rhagiane? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΑΠΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ / ΑΠΑ - Sellwood 16.12 variant (obv ΑΠΑ) [2 in db] - Shore 52 (this coin) - CNG 36 (5-6 Dec 1995), lot 52 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.01g 12h (PDC 59652) Mint: Epardus Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΕΠΑΡ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: Todd A. Ballen Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.13 [7 in db] - Triton XIII (5 Jan 2010), lot 542 (this coin) - Peus 384 (1 Nov 2005), lot 372 (this coin) - Shore 53 (same obv. die) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.92g 18mm (PDC 52807) Mint: Aria Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΑΡΕΙΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - Sellwood 16.14 [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.07g (PDC 6323) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters CΥΑΣ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, nc 47 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.15 [2 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.9334g 20mm 12h (PDC 27063) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΕΡΑ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Bob Rives - Sellwood 16.16 [2 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm (PDC 47239) Mint: Saramana? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΣΑ (read from outside); circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΥΠΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ - Sellwood 16.17 [0 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.93g (PDC 2716) Mint: Saramana? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΣΑ (read from outside); circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription without guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ / ΣΑ - Sellwood 16.17 variant (legend L16i) [1 in db] - Shore 54 (this coin) - CNG 36 (5-6 Dec 1995), lot 54 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.04g (PDC 2717) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΥΟΥ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ / ΥΟΥ - Sellwood 16.18 [1 in db] - Shore 55 (this coin) - CNG 36 (5-6 Dec 1995), lot 55 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm (PDC 27995) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters CΑΓ (Γ is retrograde); circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ - Sellwood 16.19 [0 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm (PDC 27996) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΗΝΝΓ (first Ν and Γ are retrograde); circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ - Sellwood 16.20 [0 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.91g (PDC 6249) Mint: Susa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; behind, a palm branch; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, 1972-40 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.21 [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.8g (PDC 27939) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; in exergue, Greek letters ΝΙ; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Najaf Coins & Collectibles - Sellwood 16.22 [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.79g 20mm 12h (PDC 53716) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; symbol behind bust erased on die by a wide oblique bar; under bust Greek letters ΝΙ; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with guide lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ Provenance: 1875 Prokesch-Osten Previous collection: Prokesch-Osten Current collection: Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, 18208392 - Sellwood 16.23 [2 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.680g 21mm 1h (PDC 4481) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription [Shore 4 arrangement] of four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ / ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1944.100.82081 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.24 [2 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Obol 0.56g (PDC 20168) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: Hooper Photo from Catalogue of the Coins of Parthia (BMC Parthia, 1903) - Sellwood 16.25 [1 in db] - BMC Parthia, p. 18, 21; plate 4, no. 8 (Phraates II) (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Obol 0.45g 11mm 12h (PDC 34941) Mint? Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on omphalos, holding bow in right hand; no border; four-line Greek inscription with dividing lines = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: 25 Provenance: ex Najaf Coins & Collectibles Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.25 variant (dividing lines) [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 2.06g (PDC 47130) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: elephant walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 16.26 [12 in db] - Peus 393 (31 Oct 2007), lot 329 (this coin) - Shore 56 |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 2.76g 15mm 1h (PDC 34953) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: elephant walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: 37 Provenance: ex Najaf Coins & Collectibles Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.26 variant (legend v) [1 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 4.00g 12h (PDC 32359) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕ ΜΕΓ−ΑΛ ΑΡΣΑΚ ΘΕΟΠΑ Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.27 corrigendum (horse walking) [20 in db] - Triton IX (9 Jan 2006), lot 1091 (this coin) - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), pl.LXX, 13 variant (rev. legend) - Mitchiner ACW 505-506 variant (rev. legend) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 2.61g (PDC 9233) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: Petrowicz Cond/Rarity: C2-3 Previous collection: Petrowicz Current collection: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, plaster cast on glass plate for Samm. Petrowicz (1904) Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.27 variant (legend v) [1 in db] - Petrowicz p.18,5; pl.II-5 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 3.62g 18mm (PDC 12124) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left with radiate crown and diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙ; circular border of pellets Rev: tripod, Greek letters ΝΙ below; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: The State Hermitage Museum, 19884 - Sellwood 16.28 [1 in db] - Loginov & Nikitin, Parthian Coins from Margiana (1996), no. 3 (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Dichalkous 3.06g (PDC 11455) Mint: Nisa Obv: short-bearded bust left with radiate crown and diadem; behind, Greek letters ΝΙ; circular border of pellets Rev: tripod, no Greek letters ΝΙ below; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 16.28 variant (no ΝΙ below tripod) [1 in db] - CNG 58, lot 749 (this coin) - AIC not listed - Alram not listed - Mitchiner IGIS not listed - Sellwood 1998, Parthians & Scythians cf. fig. 2 - Shore cf. 42 for obverse |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 1.15g (PDC 6341) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: elephant walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Current collection: Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, R 2528; acq. 1962 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.29 [7 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 1.800g 15mm 12h (PDC 4486) Mint: Ecbatana Obv: short-bearded bust left, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: horse walking right on exergual line; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Previous collection: C.C. Torrey coll. Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1944.100.82105 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 16.30 [10 in db] |
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Phraates II AR Triobol 1.61g (PDC 23286) Mint: Ecbatana? Obv: short-bearded bust left with radiate crown and diadem; no symbols; circular border of pellets Rev: Nike walking right; palm branch over shoulder and right hand carries semi-circulartalisman consisting of an arc terminating in pellets at top and bottom = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ / ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ / [Θ]ΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ Note: this is the first coin in the Parthian series to have not only a diadem but also the radiate crown; see also dichalkous type 16.28 Current collection: David Sellwood, 1866 (Tray 24) Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 1998.2 [1 in db] - Sellwood "Parthians and Scythians" (1998), fig. 2 (this coin) - Sellwood 1980 cf. 16.28 (AE with radiate bust) |
In Sellwood (1980), please note that the monograms in the line drawing of S17.1 are correctly positioned, but those beneath the legend example and in the text of S17.1 are switched.
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 16.03g (PDC 53378) Mint: Seleucia on the Tigris Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem, earring visible; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: bearded male deity enthroned left, wearing chiton and kalathos; in extended right hand holds wreath-bearing Nike, who crowns him to right; in left hand, cornucopia with fruits; monogram [~] in exergue left, monogram [~] in exergue right; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΝΙΚΙΦΟΡΟΥ Photo by the late Frank L. Kovacs - Sellwood 17.1 corrigendum (position of monograms) [47 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 16.420g 32mm 1h (PDC 4478) Mint: Seleucia Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem, earring visible; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: bearded male deity enthroned left, wearing chiton and kalathos; in extended right hand holds wreath-bearing Nike, who crowns him to right; in left hand, cornucopia with fruits; monogram [~] in field left, monogram [~] in exergue; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΝΙΚΙΦΟΡΟΥ Find spot: Media 1923|IGCH.1813 Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1967.152.703 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 17.1 variant (one monogram in rev field left, one in exergue) [2 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm (PDC 27999) Mint: Seleucia on the Tigris Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem, earring visible; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: bearded male deity enthroned left, wearing chiton and kalathos; in extended right hand holds wreath-bearing Nike, who crowns him to right; in left hand, cornucopia with fruits; two monograms in exergue; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΝΙΚΙΦΟΡΟΥ - Sellwood 17.2 [0 in db] |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 16.05g (PDC 21532) Mint: Seleucia on the Tigris Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem, earring visible; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: bearded male deity enthroned left, wearing chiton and kalathos; in extended right hand holds wreath-bearing Nike, who crowns him to right; in left hand, cornucopia with fruits; two monograms in exergue; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΝΙΚΙΦΟΡΟΥ Photo by Classical Numismatic Group - Sellwood 17.3 [3 in db] - Triton VII (12 Jan 2004), lot 407 (this coin) - BMC Parthia not listed - Le Rider, Suse sous les Séleucides et les Parthes (1965), pl.LXX, 23 - Mitchiner ACW not listed - Shore not listed |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 4.06g (PDC 20181) Mint: Seleucia on the Tigris Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem, earring visible; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: Nike standing left, in extended right hand holds wreath, in left hand palm branch over shoulder; one monogram [?] in field left, one mongram in exergue; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΝΙΚΙΦΟΡΟΥ Previous collection: General Houtum Schindler Photo from Catalogue of the Coins of Parthia (BMC Parthia, 1903) - Sellwood 17.4 [5 in db] - BMC Parthia, p. 23, 2; plate 5, no. 10 (Himerus?) (this coin) |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AR Drachm 3.67g (PDC 20721) Mint: Seleucia on the Tigris Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem, earring visible; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: Nike standing left, in extended right hand holds wreath, in left hand palm branch over shoulder; two monograms [?] in exergue; no border; four-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΝΙΚΙΦΟΡΟΥ Photo by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. - Sellwood 17.4 variant (2 monograms in exergue) [3 in db] - Peus 376 (Oct 2003), Lot 590 (this coin) - Shore not listed |
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Phraates II (138-127 B.C.) AE Chalkous 2.320g 15mm 11h (PDC 4471) Mint: Seleucia on the Tigris Obv: short-bearded bust right, wearing diadem; no symbols; circular reel and pellet border Rev: elephant standing left; no border; inscription (?) Note: barbaric imitation. Sellwood confirms elephant "right" was a typographical error. Only examples with elephant left are known. Previous collection: Petrowicz coll. Current collection: American Numismatic Society, 1944.100.82107 Photo by Chris Hopkins - Sellwood 17.5 corrigendum (elephant left) [2 in db] - Petrowicz p.188 and Taf. XXV, no. 4 (as Artaxias I of Armenia) (this coin) |
This page last updated 13 Mar 2021
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