| Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 115 | Auction date: 21 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 501 Price realized: 320 GBP (Approx. 405 USD / 369 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Kings of Parthia, Arsakes XVI AR Drachm. Rhagai mint, circa 78/7-68/7 BC. Diademed bust to left; torque ends in pellet / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛ[ΟΥ] ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ [Θ]ΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ [Ε]ΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ, Archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 30.16 (Unknown King II); Sunrise -; Shore 134 (Orodes I). 4.18g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractively toned. Arsaces XVI, whose real name remains undiscovered to this day, rose to prominence in Parthia in 78/77 BC, challenging the rule of Orodes II, likely with assistance from the Elymaians. He ultimately succeeded in overthrowing Orodes II in Babylon in early 75 BC. It was during his reign that Parthia first encountered the influence of Rome's power. Shortly after the Battle of Tigranocerta on 16 October 69 BC, both Mithradates VI of Pontus and Tigranes I of Armenia entered into correspondence with this enigmatic Parthian ruler, seeking material support. These correspondences referred to him solely by his royal title, Arsaces. Some scholars speculate that Arsaces XVI might have been the offspring of Mithradates II of Parthia (see Assar G.R.F., Iran under the Arsakids, p. 124 in Nelson B., Numismatic Art of Persia, The Sunrise Collection, Part I). Estimate: 75 GBP |  |
