Parthian drachm of an unidentified king, ca. 100–50 BCE
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 100–50 BCE
Issuing entity
Parthian EmpireThis silver drachm was struck by an unknown Parthian ruler, probably in the early first century BCE. The obverse depicts a left-facing royal bust sporting a long beard. The monarch wears a domed tiara with earflaps, the characteristic crown of Parthian royalty, which is ornamented with a central star enclosed by three semicircular dotted patterns. Tied over this headpiece is a diadem symbolizing victory, and the entire composition is enclosed within a dotted circular border. The image is probably intended to represent the issuing king.
The reverse depicts a seated man facing right upon a high-backed throne. He is attired in a cloak over striped sleeves and trousers, laced boots with heels, and a pointed cap equipped with earflaps and a diadem. In his hand, he grasps a bow with the string oriented upward. A Greek inscription surrounds the seated figure. The personage may depict an idealized Parthian king shown in the guise of an archer, or possibly the founder of the dynasty.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 4
- 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
Discovered in 1967 at Shahr-i Qumis, located roughly 100 miles northeast of Tehran, this coin comes from a site likely identified as Hecatompylos. That city was founded or perhaps renamed by Seleucus I Nicator and later captured in the 240s or 230s BCE by Arsaces I, becoming an early Parthian capital. While Hecatompylos possessed a mint, it remains uncertain whether this specimen was produced there. Nearly all Parthian coins bear legends citing Arsaces I rather than the contemporary issuer, perhaps as a dynastic tribute, an identification of the reverse archer, or an imperial throne title.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Museum specimens
- The Met 69.24.21: Thickness: 1/16 in. (0.2 cm) Diameter: 3/4 in. (1.95 cm) The Met 69.24.22: 1/8 in. × 13/16 in. diameter (0.25 × 2.1 cm)
Design
- Obverse
- A bust of a bearded king facing left, wearing a diadem tied over a domed tiara with earflaps that is decorated with a star surrounded by three semicircles of dots, enclosed by a border of dots.
- Reverse
- A man seated facing right on a high-backed throne, dressed in a cloak, striped sleeves, trousers, laced heeled boots, and a pointed hat with earflaps and a diadem, holding a bow with the string pointing upward, surrounded by a Greek inscription.
- Inscription (as read by the museum)
- "of great king Arsaces the sole ruler, father-loving, renowned and Greek-loving"
Identification
- Issuing state
- Parthian Empire
- Museum accession numbers
- 69.24.21, 69.24.22
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.
Research required
- Research Required: no specialist corpus type number is recorded here; confirm the type, die variety and mint against a published corpus of Parthian coinage before citing one.
- This entry combines 2 Met specimens catalogued with the same description; individual specimens may differ in weight and die.