PARTHIAN KINGDOM. Mithradates IV (58/7-55 BC). AR drachm (20mm, 3.94 gm, 11h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 3/5, marks. Mithradatkart. Draped bust of Mithradates IV left, with short beard, wearing double banded diadem and segmented necklace with medallion / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΜΕΓΑΛΟY-ΑΡΣ-ΑΚΟY-ΕΠIΦΑNOYΣ / ΔΙΚΑΙΟY-E ΘΕΟY EΠATOPOΣ / KAI ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ, archer (Arsaces I) enthroned right, in Parthian dress, with bow in outstretched right hand, MTΘ monogram below bow. Sunrise 349. Shore 190. Sellwood 40.3. The holder notes that this coin is also attributed to Mithridates III. The reign of Phraates III, marked by the triumphant reconquest of Parthian lands from Tigranes II the Great, came to an abrupt end when his two sons, Mithradates IV and Orodes II, assassinated their father. Unable to agree on a division of power, they plunged into a fierce civil war. The obverse of Mithradates IV's coins features a royal portrait adorned with a segmented chain suspending a medallion, while Orodes II's coins depict the sovereign donning a spiraling torque. On the reverse, Mithradates IV's numerous epithets, such as "the Just, Illustrious, Beneficent, Well Born of the God," and "the Founder," are inscribed. The extensive enumeration of these titles accentuates the irony of Mithradates IV's failure to defeat his brother in combat and secure the throne for himself. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website