Parthian Empire – Orodes II (57–38 BC) – Silver Drachm – Ecbatana – 3.85 g – VF
Orodes II – The King Whose Horsemen Crushed the Roman Legions
A beautiful ancient silver drachm from the reign of Orodes II, the powerful Parthian king whose armies delivered one of the most famous defeats in Roman history.
Struck more than 2,000 years ago, this remarkable coin takes us back to a world of powerful kings, legendary generals, and fierce competition between the great civilizations of antiquity.
During the reign of Orodes II (57–38 BC), the Parthian Empire controlled vast territories stretching across Persia and Mesopotamia. Its strategic position along important commercial routes and its formidable cavalry made it one of the greatest powers of the ancient Near East.
The Battle That Changed Roman History
In 53 BC, Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of Rome’s wealthiest and most influential men, marched east with his legions, determined to conquer Parthia and achieve the military glory enjoyed by Julius Caesar and Pompey.
But the Romans had underestimated their enemy.
At the Battle of Carrhae, the brilliant Parthian general Surena commanded an army of mounted archers and heavily armoured cavalry against the Roman legions.
The Parthians used speed, mobility, and devastating volleys of arrows to overwhelm the Roman formations. The Roman soldiers, trained primarily for close combat, found themselves unable to respond effectively.
The result was a catastrophe. Thousands of Roman soldiers were killed or captured, and Crassus himself lost his life during the campaign.
The victory established Parthia as one of Rome’s most dangerous rivals and secured Orodes II a lasting place in ancient history.
The Coin – Royal Portrait and the Legendary Archer
Obverse: An attractive portrait of King Orodes II facing left, wearing the traditional royal diadem. The distinctive curls, prominent facial features, and flowing royal ribbons remain clearly visible, creating an expressive example of Arsacid portraiture.
Reverse: The iconic seated archer, traditionally associated with Arsaces I, founder of the Parthian dynasty, holding a bow. The design is surrounded by Greek inscriptions, many of which remain clearly visible on this example.
The seated archer was a powerful symbol of dynastic legitimacy, connecting successive Parthian kings to the origins of their ruling house.
The coin was struck at Ecbatana, an ancient royal city in Media, located in present-day Iran. Once an important centre of the Median and Achaemenid empires, Ecbatana continued to serve as a major administrative and minting centre under Parthian rule.
A Remarkable Survivor from the Age of Julius Caesar
This silver drachm belongs to the extraordinary final decades of the Roman Republic, when Julius Caesar, Pompey, Cleopatra, and Mark Antony shaped the destiny of the Mediterranean world.
Far to the East, the Parthian kings defended their independence and challenged Roman ambitions.
With its recognizable royal portrait, well-preserved seated archer, and prominent Greek inscriptions, this coin offers a fascinating connection to one of the most dramatic periods of ancient history.
An attractive addition to a collection of ancient silver coins, Persian history, or the legendary conflicts between Rome and Parthia.
Numismatic Details
Kingdom: Parthian Empire
Ruler: Orodes II
Dynasty: Arsacid
Reign: 57–38 BC
Mint: Ecbatana (attributed)
Denomination: AR Drachm
Metal: Silver
Weight: 3.85 g
Obverse: Diademed bust of Orodes II facing left
Reverse: Seated archer holding a bow, surrounded by Greek inscriptions
Condition: Very Fine (VF), as labelled
Period: 1st century BC
A remarkable silver witness to the age when Parthian cavalry brought the mighty Roman legions to their knees.