CVC & Collectables presents this Parthian AR Drachm issued under King Mithradates II (121–91 BC), known as “Mithradates the Great”. Struck at the Ekbatana mint, this silver coin features the king’s regal diademed bust on the obverse and a seated archer—representing the Parthian ancestor Arsakes I—on the reverse, a classic emblem of the Arsacid dynasty.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Parthian Kingdom
- Ruler: Mithradates II (121–91 BC)
- Mint: Ekbatana
- Denomination: Drachm
- Composition: Silver
- Obverse: Diademed bust of Mithradates II facing left
- Reverse: Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on omphalos, holding bow; Greek legend around
- Diameter: ~19–22 mm (varies by strike)
- Weight: ~3.8–4.1 g
- References: Sellwood 24.9; Sunrise 286; Shore 69
- Grade: NGC XF – sharply struck and well-centered bust
Collectibility:
Parthian drachms of Mithradates II, especially from Ekbatana, are popular with collectors for:
- Strong historical context tied to Rome and the Silk Road
- High-grade examples like this XF offering
- Clear legends and well-executed portraiture
Well-centered and problem-free XF examples are increasingly rare, especially those with clean detail in both portrait and reverse types. Find more alike here!
