Parthian drachm of Vologases III, ca. 147–191 CE
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 147–191 CE
Issuing entity
Parthian EmpireThis silver drachm from ancient Iran was produced under the authority of the Parthian king Vologases III, who reigned from approximately A.D. 147 to 191. Measuring 1.9 centimeters in diameter and 0.2 centimeters in thickness, the coin represents the official currency issued during his rule and exemplifies the distinct imperial coinage of the Parthian Empire.
The obverse displays a left-facing bust of the monarch, probably representing Vologases III himself. The portrait features a stylized, vertically lined beard, a schematic eye, a neck torque, and a royal tiara secured by an athletic-style diadem. The reverse is in poor condition after being struck by an extremely worn die, yet it depicts a seated archer facing right, dressed in trousers, sleeves, and a cloak, holding an upright bow and encircled by an illegible inscription.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 2
- 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
In Parthian numismatics, royal imagery frequently combined distinct status symbols. The domed tiara with earflaps served as the primary crown of Parthian monarchs, while the diadem, originally worn by victorious athletes in ancient Greece, functioned as an emblem of victory. The portrait on this coin shows pronounced artistic stylization, especially in the schematic treatment of the king's beard and eye. Numismatists suggest that the seated bow-holding figure on the reverse is perhaps an idealized representation of a Parthian king.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Museum specimens
- The Met 99.35.2963: Thickness 0.2 cm, Diameter 1.9 cm
Design
- Obverse
- A left-facing bust of the king is enclosed within a border of dots. He wears a neck torque and a domed tiara with earflaps and faint protrusions, bound by a diadem tied over it. The portrait is heavily stylized, featuring a long beard depicted with vertical lines and an eye shown as a raised dot placed between two thick lines representing eyelids.
- Reverse
- Struck from an extremely worn die and preserved in poor condition, the reverse shows a seated male facing right in trousers, sleeves, and a cloak, with diadem ends visible at the back of his head. He holds a bow with the bowstring turned upward, and an illegible inscription surrounds the figure.
Identification
- Issuing state
- Parthian Empire
- Museum accession numbers
- 99.35.2963
- Issuer (museum attribution)
- Vologases III
- Reign as given by the museum
- ca. A.D. 147–191
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.