PARTHIAN EMPIRE – ORODES II (57–38 BC) – AR DRACHM – EKBATANA – 3.87 G – VERY FINE
Orodes II – The Parthian King Who Defeated Rome at Carrhae
An ancient silver drachm issued during the reign of Orodes II (57–38 BC), one of the most historically significant rulers of the Parthian Empire.
His reign witnessed one of the most dramatic military confrontations of antiquity: the defeat of the Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC.
This remarkable victory established Parthia as one of Rome’s most formidable rivals and helped shape the political history of the ancient Near East.
Attributed to the important mint of Ekbatana, this silver drachm features a distinctive royal portrait and the traditional seated archer reverse associated with the Arsacid dynasty.
Historical Background
Orodes II ruled the Parthian Empire during a period of political rivalry, military expansion, and increasing confrontation with the Roman Republic.
In 53 BC, the Parthian commander Surena led a cavalry army against the Roman forces commanded by Crassus near Carrhae, in modern-day Turkey.
The Parthian army employed highly mobile horse archers and heavily armoured cavalry to devastating effect, inflicting one of the most famous defeats in Roman military history.
Crassus was killed during the campaign, and the Roman defeat became a lasting symbol of Parthian military power.
Orodes II also ruled during a period of continued interaction between the Iranian and Hellenistic worlds, reflected in the artistic traditions and Greek inscriptions appearing on Parthian coinage.
His reign marked a defining chapter in the long struggle between Rome and the Arsacid dynasty.
Coin Description
Obverse: Draped bust of Orodes II facing left, wearing an elaborate Parthian royal tiara decorated with ornamental patterns. The portrait features a prominent eye, distinctive facial features, a carefully rendered beard, and flowing ribbons extending behind the royal headdress.
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, emphasizing royal legitimacy and continuity with the dynasty’s founder.
The obverse retains attractive details in the royal portrait, particularly the eye, beard, headdress ornaments, and flowing ribbons. The reverse displays the traditional dynastic imagery, with the seated figure and substantial portions of the Greek inscriptions remaining distinguishable.
The Ekbatana Mint
Attributed to Ekbatana, one of the most important cities of ancient Iran, located in the region of modern-day Hamadan.
Originally associated with the ancient Median kingdom, Ekbatana later became a significant royal and administrative centre under the Achaemenid, Seleucid, and Parthian dynasties.
During the Parthian period, the city served as an important political and economic centre, benefiting from its strategic location along routes connecting Mesopotamia with the Iranian plateau and Central Asia.
Ekbatana was also one of the principal mints of the Parthian Empire, producing silver drachms that circulated widely throughout the kingdom.
Coins attributed to this historic mint provide a direct connection to one of the great urban centres of ancient Persia.
Collector’s Appeal
This silver drachm offers collectors a tangible connection to one of the greatest military rivalries of the ancient world.
The coin features an attractive royal portrait, with clearly visible details of the eye, beard, decorated tiara, and flowing ribbons.
The reverse retains the recognizable seated archer design, accompanied by Greek royal inscriptions showing evidence of ancient circulation.
Its silver-grey surfaces, appealing portrait, and association with the historic mint of Ekbatana make it an interesting example of Parthian royal coinage.
An attractive addition to a collection of Parthian, Persian, Hellenistic, or Roman Republican history.
Numismatic Details
Empire: Parthian Empire
Ruler: Orodes II
Reign: 57–38 BC
Dynasty: Arsacid
Mint: Ekbatana (attributed)
Denomination: AR Drachm
Metal: Silver
Weight: 3.87 g
Obverse: Draped bust of Orodes II left, wearing a decorated royal tiara
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 irregularities
Period: 1st century BC
An attractive ancient silver drachm from the reign of Orodes II, the Parthian king whose armies delivered one of Rome’s most celebrated defeats, struck at the historic mint of Ekbatana and featuring the traditional seated archer of the Arsacid dynasty.