PARTHIAN EMPIRE – MITHRADATES IV (58/57–55 BC) – AR DRACHM – EKBATANA – 3.83 G – VERY FINE
Mithradates IV – The Parthian King Who Challenged His Brother for the Throne
An ancient silver drachm issued during the short and turbulent reign of Mithradates IV (58/57–55 BC), a ruler of the Parthian Empire whose struggle for power became one of the most dramatic dynastic conflicts of the late Arsacid period.
His reign was marked by a bitter rivalry with his brother Orodes II, as both princes competed for control of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Near East.
This fascinating period of Parthian history unfolded shortly before the famous Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC, when the Parthian armies would inflict a devastating defeat upon the Roman Republic.
Attributed to the historic mint of Ekbatana, this silver drachm represents a fascinating chapter in the political history of ancient Persia.
Historical Background
Mithradates IV was a member of the Arsacid dynasty and a son of the Parthian king Phraates III.
Following the death of their father, Mithradates and his brother Orodes II became involved in a fierce struggle for the Parthian throne.
The rivalry divided the royal family and contributed to a period of political instability within the empire.
Mithradates eventually lost control of much of the kingdom and sought support from the Roman Republic in his attempt to recover his position.
He later returned to Mesopotamia and established himself in Seleucia, one of the most important cities of the ancient Near East.
However, forces loyal to Orodes II, commanded by the celebrated Parthian general Surena, besieged the city and ultimately defeated Mithradates.
Following his surrender in approximately 55 BC, Mithradates was executed on the orders of his brother.
Only two years later, Surena would achieve his greatest military victory against the Romans at Carrhae.
The short reign of Mithradates IV therefore represents an important episode in the dynastic struggles that preceded one of the most famous confrontations between Rome and Parthia.
Coin Description
Obverse: Draped bust of Mithradates IV facing left, wearing a traditional Parthian royal headdress with a broad diadem and flowing ribbons extending behind the head. The portrait displays a prominent nose, stylized eye, beard, and characteristic Arsacid royal features.
Reverse: Arsaces seated right, holding a bow, surrounded by a Greek inscription containing the traditional royal titles of the Parthian kings.
The seated archer was one of the most enduring symbols of the Arsacid dynasty, representing royal authority, dynastic continuity, and the military traditions of the Parthian kingdom.
The obverse retains a recognizable royal portrait, with the headdress, facial outline, and flowing ribbons remaining visible despite circulation wear.
The reverse preserves the traditional seated archer design, with substantial portions of the Greek inscriptions clearly distinguishable.
The Ekbatana Mint
Attributed to Ekbatana, one of the most historically important cities of ancient Persia, situated in the region of modern-day Hamadan in western Iran.
Ekbatana was originally associated with the ancient Median kingdom and later became a major administrative and royal centre under the Achaemenid, Seleucid, and Parthian dynasties.
During the Parthian period, the city occupied a strategic position along important commercial and military routes connecting Mesopotamia with the Iranian plateau.
Ekbatana was also one of the principal silver-producing mints of the Arsacid Empire.
Its coinage circulated throughout the Parthian territories and reflected the political authority of the ruling dynasty.
Silver drachms attributed to this historic mint provide collectors with a tangible connection to one of the great centres of ancient Iranian civilization.
Collector’s Appeal
This silver drachm offers collectors an interesting connection to a relatively short and historically dramatic reign within the Parthian Empire.
Unlike the long reigns of some Arsacid rulers, the coinage of Mithradates IV belongs to a brief period of dynastic conflict and political uncertainty.
The coin features a distinctive royal portrait, with visible facial characteristics, a traditional Parthian headdress, and flowing ribbons.
The reverse retains the recognizable seated archer design and substantial Greek royal inscriptions.
Its silver-grey surfaces, ancient circulation wear, and association with the historic mint of Ekbatana contribute to its numismatic appeal.
An interesting addition to a collection of Parthian, Persian, Hellenistic, or Roman Republican history.
Numismatic Details
Empire: Parthian Empire
Ruler: Mithradates IV
Reign: 58/57–55 BC
Dynasty: Arsacid
Mint: Ekbatana (attributed)
Denomination: AR Drachm
Metal: Silver
Weight: 3.83 g
Obverse: Draped bust of Mithradates IV left, wearing a royal headdress with flowing ribbons
Reverse: Seated Arsaces holding a bow, surrounded by Greek royal inscriptions
Condition: Very Fine (VF)
Surface: Silver-grey surfaces with circulation wear, minor marks, and light surface scratches
Period: 1st century BC
An ancient silver drachm from the brief reign of Mithradates IV, the Parthian king whose struggle against his brother Orodes II shaped a turbulent chapter in Arsacid history, attributed to the historic mint of Ekbatana and featuring the traditional seated archer of the Parthian dynasty.