Kingdom of Parthia. Parthamaspates, c. AD 116. AR Drachm (3.71 g) minted at Ecbatana. Bust left of Parthamaspates wearing decorated tiara. Reverse: Archer seated right, holding bow. Sellwood 81/1. Light hoard toning remaining. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $500 - UP
The Roman emperor Trajan promoted Parthamaspates, great-nephew of Osroes I, to the Parthian throne. The coins of the puppet king Parthamaspates can be easily identified by his long moustache. Although his reign was short (about a year), there was a large hoard of his coins found in the late 1960s. At the time, the drachms, all of which were VF+ to Mint State, retailed around $150. About the time these were found, another large group of drachms was found, those of Arsakes I and II. These early coins were much more expensive, especially the relatively few which included "Autokrator" on the reverse (Sellwood 1/1). This hoard is partially documented in the 1971 Numismatic Chronicle article, "A Hoard of early Parthian drachms" by M. Abgarians and David Sellwood.
Goldberg's Auction 63, lot 2501
The Peh Family Collection.