Tetradrachm - Phraates III 80 BC - 70 BC
| Silver | 14.81 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Parthian Empire (Parthian Empire (247 BC - 224 AD)) |
|---|---|
| King | Phraates III (69 BC - 57 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 80 BC - 70 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm (247 BC-224 AD) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 14.81 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#90051 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Beardless archer wearing karbasi and cloak seated right on throne, holding bow in right hand; above bow, Greek letters (BA); no border; seven-line Greek inscription.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ
Translation: KING GREAT ARSACOS PHILANTHROPIST BENEFACTOR PROMINENT PHILHELLENE
Comment
A. B. Nikitin maintains that Sellwood's types 35 and 36 were actually minted by Phraates III during the lifetime of his father Sinatruces which, Nikitin postulates, was a regular practice among the Arsacids. Fred Shore gives the Sellwood types 35, 36 and 37 to Phraates III.
Sellwood has suggested that Darius was only a provincial prince or governor and could not be responsible for the widespread issue of the type 35 and 36 coins from numerous mints. This must indicate these types were issued by another king with the requisite wider authority.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Tetradrachm coin of Phraates III from the Parthian Empire is that it features a unique blend of Iranian and Hellenistic influences in its design. The coin's obverse side depicts a portrait of Phraates III wearing a bashlyk, a traditional Iranian hat, while the reverse side shows a seated figure of the Greek goddess Athena, highlighting the cultural exchange and fusion that characterized the Parthian Empire.
