Drachm (Coin) Portraying King Phraates IV
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
38-2 BCE
This ancient silver drachm originates from Parthia, with recorded provenance in Khorasan, and is dated between 38 and 2 BCE. The coin has an irregular rounded shape and measures approximately 1.9 cm (3/4 in.) in diameter.
The obverse side presents a portrait of the Parthian King Phraates IV facing left, showing a pointed beard, stylized hair, and royal headwear. On the reverse, the legendary founder of the Parthian empire, King Arsaces, is portrayed as a kneeling archer holding a bow, set within a field of blocky Greek text arranged in surrounding lines.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
King Arsaces is the legendary founder of the Parthian empire.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Persian; Parthia
- Place recorded
- Khorasan
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Drachm (Coin) Portraying King Phraates IV
- Museum object number
- 1923.1392
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.