Parthian Empire – Orodes II (57–38 BC) – Silver Drachm – Ecbatana – 3.70 g – Near VF
Orodes II – The King Who Defied Rome and Ruled the Ancient East
A fascinating silver drachm of Orodes II, one of the most historically significant rulers of the Parthian Empire, whose reign witnessed a legendary victory over the Roman Republic.
Struck in the ancient city of Ecbatana, this silver drachm offers a remarkable connection to the powerful Arsacid dynasty, which ruled a vast empire stretching across Persia and Mesopotamia.
During the reign of Orodes II (57–38 BC), the Parthian Empire stood as Rome’s greatest rival in the East. Its wealth, cavalry armies, and strategic position along important trade routes made it one of the dominant powers of the ancient world.
The King Who Witnessed Rome’s Humiliation
In 53 BC, the Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of the wealthiest men of the Roman Republic and a political ally of Julius Caesar and Pompey, launched an invasion of Parthian territory.
His ambition was to conquer the East and achieve the military glory enjoyed by his fellow triumvirs.
Instead, the campaign ended in one of the most disastrous defeats in Roman military history.
At the Battle of Carrhae, the Parthian commander Surena used mounted archers and heavily armoured cavalry to overwhelm the Roman legions. Thousands of soldiers were killed or captured, and Crassus himself lost his life.
This extraordinary victory established Parthia as a formidable military power and ensured that Orodes II would be remembered as the king under whose reign Rome suffered one of its greatest humiliations.
Yet his reign also reflected the dangers of ancient monarchy. In 38 BC, Orodes II was killed by his son Phraates IV, who took control of the Parthian throne.
The Coin – Royal Portrait and Dynastic Tradition
Obverse: A distinctive bust of Orodes II facing left, wearing an elaborate royal headdress and diadem. The portrait retains clearly recognizable facial features, including the prominent nose, eye, beard, and carefully arranged hair. The headdress and royal ribbons emphasize the authority of the Arsacid monarchy.
Reverse: The traditional seated archer, generally identified with Arsaces I, founder of the Parthian dynasty, holding a bow. Greek inscriptions surround the design, reflecting the enduring Hellenistic influence on Parthian coinage.
The coin was struck at Ecbatana, an important ancient city in Media, located in modern-day Iran. Ecbatana had been a significant royal centre since the time of the Median and Achaemenid empires and continued to serve as a major mint under the Parthians.
A Remarkable Survivor from the Ancient World
With its expressive royal portrait, visible reverse design, and naturally aged surfaces, this drachm preserves the distinctive artistic character of Parthian silver coinage.
It belongs to an extraordinary period in which Julius Caesar, Pompey, Cleopatra, and Mark Antony shaped the political destiny of the Mediterranean, while powerful Parthian kings defended their empire against Roman ambitions.
An appealing ancient silver coin for collectors of Parthian history, Persian civilization, and the great military rivalries of antiquity.
Numismatic Details
Kingdom: Parthian Empire
Ruler: Orodes II
Dynasty: Arsacid
Reign: 57–38 BC
Mint: Ecbatana (attributed)
Denomination: AR Drachm
Metal: Silver
Weight: 3.70 g
Obverse: Bust of Orodes II facing left, wearing royal headdress and diadem
Reverse: Seated archer holding bow, surrounded by Greek inscriptions
Condition: Near Very Fine (NVF), as labelled
Period: 1st century BC
A tangible connection to the age when the Parthian Empire challenged the military supremacy of Rome.