© Sam (CC BY)
© Sam (CC BY)
Tetradrachm - Vardanes II Ecbatana
| Silver | 14.64 g | 27 mm |
| Issuer | Parthian Empire (Parthian Empire (247 BC - 224 AD)) |
|---|---|
| King | Vardanes II (55-58) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 55-58 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm (247 BC-224 AD) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 14.64 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#60625 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Male wearing diadem seated left on throne, extending right hand, grasping hilt of sword in left; to his left, Tyche stands right presenting diadem in right hand, and holding scepter in left; above diadem, Greek letters in exergue, seven-line Greek inscription.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
[ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΕΥ]ΕΡΓΕΤ[ΟΥ] ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟ[ΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ]
ΗΞΤ
Translation: the King of Kings […] Benefactor, Just, God Manifest, Philhellene.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Iranian and Greek influences in its design. The Parthian Empire, which was a major power in the ancient Near East, was known for its cultural exchange and fusion with the Greeks, and this coin reflects that blend. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Vardanes II, the Parthian king, in a traditional Iranian style, while the reverse features a depiction of the Greek goddess Athena, highlighting the cultural exchange that occurred during this time period.
