PARTHIAN EMPIRE – ORODES II (57–38 BC) – AR DRACHM – SUSA – 3.93 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 decisive victory demonstrated the military strength of the Parthian Empire and established its position as one of the most formidable rivals of the Roman Republic.
Struck at the ancient city of Susa, this silver drachm represents a fascinating connection to the political, military, and economic history of the ancient Near East.
Historical Background
Orodes II ruled the Parthian Empire during a period of political rivalry, territorial struggles, and increasing confrontation with the Roman Republic.
In 53 BC, the Parthian commander Surena led an 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.
During his reign, Orodes II maintained control over an extensive empire stretching across much of Iran and Mesopotamia, with important cities and regional centres supporting the administration and economy of the Arsacid dynasty.
His reign marked a defining chapter in the long struggle between Rome and Parthia.
Coin Description
Obverse: Draped bust of Orodes II facing left, wearing an elaborate Parthian royal tiara decorated with ornamental patterns. The portrait displays a prominent eye, carefully rendered facial features, a distinctive curled 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 coin displays an attractive royal portrait with particularly well-defined facial details and a recognizable seated archer reverse.
The Susa Mint
Attributed to Susa, one of the most important ancient cities of southwestern Iran and a major political and administrative centre for successive Persian empires.
Originally an important centre of the Elamite civilization, Susa later became one of the principal royal cities of the Achaemenid Empire.
Following the conquests of Alexander the Great and the subsequent Seleucid period, the city eventually came under Parthian influence and control.
Its strategic location connected the Iranian plateau with the rich territories of Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf.
Coinage attributed to Susa reflects the city’s continuing importance as a regional economic centre under Parthian rule.
Collector’s Appeal
This silver drachm offers collectors a tangible connection to one of the most important rulers of the Parthian Empire and the famous military confrontation between Rome and Parthia.
The obverse features a distinctive and expressive royal portrait, with clearly visible details of the eye, beard, royal tiara, and flowing ribbons.
The reverse preserves the traditional seated archer design, accompanied by partially legible Greek royal inscriptions.
The coin displays appealing silver-grey surfaces, natural circulation wear, and minor marks consistent with its ancient history.
An interesting addition to a collection of Parthian, Persian, Seleucid, or Roman Republican history.
Numismatic Details
Empire: Parthian Empire
Ruler: Orodes II
Reign: 57–38 BC
Dynasty: Arsacid
Mint: Susa (attributed)
Denomination: AR Drachm
Metal: Silver
Weight: 3.93 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 and minor marks
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 one of the great historic cities of ancient Persia.