Parthian billon tetradrachm of Vologases IV
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
147-191
This ancient coin is a billon tetradrachm issued during the reign of Vologases IV of the Parthian Empire, who ruled from 147 to 191 AD. The tetradrachm was a significant denomination in the ancient world, historically equivalent to four drachmae, and its use expanded through Greek-influenced regions following the conquests of Alexander the Great.
This specific specimen features an obverse displaying the bust of the Parthian king, who is depicted wearing a characteristic short tiara. The reverse shows a depiction of Tyche, a personification of fortune, presenting a diadem to the enthroned king, who is seated and facing to the right. The coin is composed of billon, a debased silver alloy common in the coinage of this period. The imagery reflects the cultural synthesis found in the Parthian Empire, which combined traditional eastern royal iconography with Greek artistic influences.
This coin serves as a numismatic record of the Arsacid dynasty's political and cultural prominence in the regions of modern-day Iran.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- billon
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- tetradrachm
Design
- Obverse
- bust of the king wearing a short tiara
- Reverse
- Tyche giving a diadem to the king seated to the right
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
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.