Parthian Kingdom – Silver Drachm of Pakoros I (circa AD 78-120) Minted in Ekbatana
• frame : base silver 925 , rhodium plated . • Method of making - 3d wax printed - wax lost process.
•certificate of provenance and authenticity included 
•leather cord included . 
This silver drachm, struck at the Ekbatana mint, dates back to the reign of Pakoros I (circa AD 78-120), a king of the Parthian Empire, one of the most powerful states of the ancient world. The Parthians were a Hellenistic-Iranian dynasty that controlled vast territories from Mesopotamia to Central Asia, acting as a crucial link between the Roman and Chinese empires.
Description of the Coin
•Obverse:
•Diademed bust of Pakoros I facing left, wearing a medium-length beard.
•The diadem, a traditional Persian royal symbol, emphasizes his legitimacy and dynastic continuity.
•His hairstyle and beard reflect both Greek artistic influences and Iranian traditions.
•Reverse:
•Depicts Arsakes I, the legendary founder of the Parthian Empire, seated right on a throne.
•He holds a bow, symbolizing Parthia’s dominance in mounted archery and warfare.
•A monogram is placed below the bow, likely indicating a mint mark or control symbol.
Historical Context of Pakoros I
Pakoros I is a somewhat enigmatic figure in Parthian history, with limited direct references in ancient sources. His reign falls into a turbulent period during which multiple claimants vied for the Parthian throne. He is often associated with Vologases III, as some scholars believe he was a rival king ruling in a separate region of the empire.
This period (late 1st – early 2nd century AD) was marked by constant struggles between Parthian rulers, internal civil wars, and conflicts with the Roman Empire. While Pakoros I controlled the central and eastern parts of the empire, Vologases III ruled in the western provinces, leading to a period of dual kingship—a common occurrence in Parthian history.
The Parthian Empire and Its Coinage
The Parthians (247 BC – AD 224) were originally a nomadic Iranian people who overthrew the Seleucid Empire and established their rule over Persia, Mesopotamia, and parts of Central Asia. Unlike the centralized administration of the Achaemenids or later Sasanids, Parthian rule was feudal, relying on local kings and satraps to govern their territories.
Their coinage played a crucial role in their economy and political propaganda:
•The obverse always featured the ruling king, emphasizing royal legitimacy.
•The reverse consistently depicted Arsakes I, reinforcing the dynasty’s connection to its founder.
•The use of Greek inscriptions and artistic styles reflected the lingering Hellenistic influences from the Seleucid era, even though the Parthians were culturally Iranian.
Significance of This Drachm
This Ekbatana-minted drachm is a tangible artifact of a crucial yet unstable period in Parthian history. It reflects the enduring Greek-Persian fusion in Parthian coinage while symbolizing the military strength and dynastic legitimacy of Pakoros I. The presence of Arsakes I on the reverse further highlights the Parthians’ emphasis on their legendary origins.
With its iridescent toning and deposits, this piece is not just a collector’s item but also a historical relic from a kingdom that stood as Rome’s greatest eastern adversary before the rise of the Sasanian Empire.