PARTHIAN EMPIRE – MITHRADATES II (121–91 BC) – SILVER DRACHM – RHAGAE – 4.02 G – VERY FINE
Mithradates II the Great – The King Who Transformed Parthia into an Empire
An impressive ancient silver drachm issued during the reign of Mithradates II the Great (121–91 BC), one of the most influential monarchs in the history of the Parthian Empire.
Under his leadership, Parthia emerged as one of the dominant powers of the ancient world, expanding its territories, strengthening its political influence, and establishing diplomatic connections that would shape relations between East and West for centuries.
The Great King of Parthia
Mithradates II inherited a kingdom facing significant political and military challenges. Through a combination of military victories, strategic diplomacy, and administrative consolidation, he transformed Parthia into a formidable imperial power.
His reign witnessed the expansion of Parthian authority across Mesopotamia and important regions of Central Asia.
Mithradates II also played a significant role in the development of diplomatic relations with neighbouring powers, including the emerging Roman Republic.
In 96 BC, a meeting between representatives of Mithradates II and the Roman commander Lucius Cornelius Sulla marked one of the earliest recorded diplomatic encounters between Rome and Parthia.
These contacts foreshadowed the centuries of rivalry that would eventually develop between the two great empires.
The Coin – Royal Power and Hellenistic Tradition
Obverse: Draped bust of Mithradates II facing left, wearing an elaborate royal tiara decorated with distinctive patterns. The portrait retains visible details of the royal headdress, facial features, and drapery.
Reverse: The traditional Parthian seated archer, representing Arsaces I, the founder of the Arsacid dynasty, holding a bow. The figure is surrounded by a Greek inscription expressing the king’s royal titles.
The reverse design illustrates the remarkable continuity of Parthian coinage and the lasting influence of Greek artistic and cultural traditions in the ancient Near East.
Rhagae – An Important Mint of Ancient Persia
This drachm is attributed to Rhagae (Rhagai), an important ancient city located near modern-day Tehran, Iran.
Rhagae was a significant urban and commercial centre, strategically positioned along major routes connecting the Iranian plateau with the wider ancient world.
Coins struck at this mint circulated throughout the Parthian kingdom, facilitating commerce and reinforcing the authority of the Arsacid monarchy.
A Remarkable Piece of Ancient History
Struck more than 2,100 years ago, this silver drachm represents an era when the Parthian Empire was becoming one of the most powerful political forces in Eurasia.
The coin displays attractive ancient toning, an expressive royal portrait, and a well-defined seated archer on the reverse.
A fascinating collectible for enthusiasts of ancient Persia, Hellenistic coinage, and the early history of relations between Rome and the East.
Numismatic Details
Empire: Parthian Empire
Ruler: Mithradates II the Great
Reign: 121–91 BC
Dynasty: Arsacid
Mint: Rhagae (attributed)
Denomination: AR Drachm
Metal: Silver
Weight: 4.02 g
Obverse: Draped bust of Mithradates II facing left, wearing an elaborate royal tiara
Reverse: Seated archer holding a bow, surrounded by Greek royal inscriptions
Condition: Very Fine (VF), as labelled
Surface: Ancient grey toning with visible circulation wear and surface marks
Period: Late 2nd–early 1st century BC
A historic silver coin from the reign of one of the greatest kings of ancient Parthia.