Parthian Silver Drachm - 93 BCE - 69 BCE | Mithridates II The Great

Own a piece of ancient history with this Parthian Silver Drachm from the reign of Mithridates II (93 BCE - 69 BCE). This coin bears the portrait of one of Parthia's most powerful kings, and its silver content reflects the kingdom's wealth. A remarkable artifact for collectors of ancient Eastern numismatics.

This Parthian Silver Drachm from the reign of Mithridates II, who ruled from 93 BCE to 69 BCE, is a remarkable piece of ancient numismatics. The obverse features a portrait of the king, showcasing the Hellenistic influence on Parthian coinage, with a royal diadem, symbolizing his sovereignty. The reverse depicts a seated archer, which is a common motif in Parthian drachms, signifying the military prowess and the dynastic emblem of the Arsacid family.

Struck from silver, this drachm weighs 3.819 grams and measures 19 mm in diameter, fitting the typical standards for coins of this era. The silver used likely originated from mines controlled by the Parthian Empire, which spanned a vast region of the ancient Near East. The use of silver not only facilitated trade across the empire but also served as a display of wealth and a tool for propaganda.

Mithridates II The Great was a significant Parthian king known for expanding the empire's boundaries and establishing political alliances. The coin's iconography, featuring his portrait and the archer, underscores the king's authority and the martial traditions of the Parthians. The Hellenistic style of the portrait also indicates the cultural exchanges between the Greek world and the Parthian Empire.