Æ Unit - Tiridates II (217-252) front Æ Unit - Tiridates II (217-252) back
Æ Unit - Tiridates II (217-252) photo
© Heritage Auctions

Æ Unit - Tiridates II

 
Bronze - 25 mm
Description
Issuer
Kingdom of Armenia (Greater Armenia)
King
Tiridates II (217-252)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
217-252
Currency
Drachm
Composition
Bronze
Diameter
25 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#352901
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Aramaic and Greek script surrounded by wreath border.

Scripts: Aramaic, Greek

Lettering: 𐡕𐡓𐡃𐡈 / 𐡌𐡋𐡊𐡀/ ΛΙΛ

Translation: King Tiridates

Comment

The minting of Tiridates's II coins is quite strange, as after the reign of Tiridates I, no other coins were minted for 140 years. What is even more strange is the Aramaic scripture used on the coin, as the last coins prior to Tiridates's II that used the Aramaic script were those of Artaxias's I. Henceforth, these coins were cautiously attributed to Tiridates II.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Tiridates II, who was a king of the Kingdom of Armenia (Greater Armenia) during the 3rd century. He is depicted on the coin wearing a crown and holding a scepter, symbolizing his power and authority as a ruler. Despite being made of bronze, the coin is well-preserved and provides valuable insight into the history and culture of ancient Armenia.