Parthian Silver Drachm (Silver Coin) of King Phraates IV (about 2025 years ago)
This silver drachm (medium-valued silver coin) was minted during the reign of King Phraates IV of Parthia (region covering modern Iran and Iraq).
Front Side: Features the diademed (royal headband) bust of the king facing left with a pointed beard and distinctive wart on his brow; an eagle stands behind him, crowning him with a wreath
Back Side: Shows an archer (the king) seated right on a throne holding a bow, with "MT0" monogram below the bow and the letter "I" behind the archer's head
Technical Details: Weight: 4.03 grams References: Sellwood-52.32-3 var., Sunrise-395 var. Rarity: This specific variant with the letter "I" behind the archer's head is not recorded in standard references
Historical Significance: Phraates IV ruled Parthia during a critical period when the empire was facing Roman threats under Mark Antony. He successfully defended against Roman invasions and maintained Parthian independence. The archer imagery on Parthian coins became an iconic symbol of this eastern power, representing their famous mounted archers who were feared by Roman armies. The eagle crowning the king symbolizes divine approval of his rule, an important propaganda element during this turbulent period of Parthian history.
This silver drachm (medium-valued silver coin) was minted during the reign of King Phraates IV of Parthia (region covering modern Iran and Iraq).
Front Side: Features the diademed (royal headband) bust of the king facing left with a pointed beard and distinctive wart on his brow; an eagle stands behind him, crowning him with a wreath
Back Side: Shows an archer (the king) seated right on a throne holding a bow, with "MT0" monogram below the bow and the letter "I" behind the archer's head
Technical Details: Weight: 4.03 grams References: Sellwood-52.32-3 var., Sunrise-395 var. Rarity: This specific variant with the letter "I" behind the archer's head is not recorded in standard references
Historical Significance: Phraates IV ruled Parthia during a critical period when the empire was facing Roman threats under Mark Antony. He successfully defended against Roman invasions and maintained Parthian independence. The archer imagery on Parthian coins became an iconic symbol of this eastern power, representing their famous mounted archers who were feared by Roman armies. The eagle crowning the king symbolizes divine approval of his rule, an important propaganda element during this turbulent period of Parthian history.
This silver drachm (medium-valued silver coin) was minted during the reign of King Phraates IV of Parthia (region covering modern Iran and Iraq).
Front Side: Features the diademed (royal headband) bust of the king facing left with a pointed beard and distinctive wart on his brow; an eagle stands behind him, crowning him with a wreath
Back Side: Shows an archer (the king) seated right on a throne holding a bow, with "MT0" monogram below the bow and the letter "I" behind the archer's head
Technical Details: Weight: 4.03 grams References: Sellwood-52.32-3 var., Sunrise-395 var. Rarity: This specific variant with the letter "I" behind the archer's head is not recorded in standard references
Historical Significance: Phraates IV ruled Parthia during a critical period when the empire was facing Roman threats under Mark Antony. He successfully defended against Roman invasions and maintained Parthian independence. The archer imagery on Parthian coins became an iconic symbol of this eastern power, representing their famous mounted archers who were feared by Roman armies. The eagle crowning the king symbolizes divine approval of his rule, an important propaganda element during this turbulent period of Parthian history.
