| Spink > Auction 24121 | Auction date: 9 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 89 Price realized: 650 GBP (Approx. 822 USD / 757 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 Elymais, Arsacid Dynasty (c.57 BC-228 AD), a collection of 44 AE Drachms from late Kamnaskirid period, including issues of Orodes I, Phraates, Orodes II, Kamnaskires-Orodes III, Osroes, Orodes IV and Ulfan, Orodes V and 'Prince a' and 'Prince b', many different reverse types, with identifying tickets (numbered according to "Catalogue of Elymais Coinage", Anne van't Haaff (2.6.?, 10.4 (2), 12.2 (2), 12.3 (3), 13.2, 13.3 (2), 14.1, 14.2 (2), 14.4 (3), 14.6, 14.7 (3), 16.1 (3), 16.2 (2), 16.3, 16.4, 17.1 (2), 17.2 (3), 17.3 (2), 18.1 (4), 19.1 (2), 19 ? bust faces other way, 20.1 (2), one with deity facing right, the other with deity facing left), selected very fine or better, some rare and exceptional for type (44). Although Elam was one of the mightiest states in the region between the 20th and 7th century BC, by the time coins were issued Elymais was linked with the Parthians. The Seleucids influenced early coinage, then the Kamnaskirids gained a degree of independence circa 147 BC and struck a distinct coinage. However, it was the Parthians who established the Arsacid Dynasty and put family members in charge. The coins in this collection are mainly issues of this latter dynasty. The earliest two are very similar to Kamnaskirid coins, and some would even attribute them to the later Kamnaskirid rulers. Attribution of coins is still under question and mainly based on circumstantial evidence, their style, type of script and their relationship to Parthian coinage. The classification of Pieter Anne van't Haaff is used for this collection. He ascribes coins to the kings Orodes I, Phraates, Orodes II, Kamnaskires-Orodes III, Osroes, Orodes IV and Ulfan, Orodes V and later rulers named 'Princes a and b'. It is thought that after 228 AD the Sasanians gradually took the area over and independent coinage ceased. The anchor symbol is a persistent motif that appears on most of the coins with the exception of the latest issues. The identity of the deities that appear in various forms on the reverse of some coins is not proven, but most are ascribed to the male deity Belos, syncretised with Zeus or Apollo, or a female goddess of war identified as Artemis/Ishtar. Some coins feature an eagle or a diadem; both symbols of kingship and divine investiture. This collection contains all the main varieties giving the buyer an opportunity to study the different types. It was formed over a period of 20 years and most coins are in above average condition for type. Estimate: £800 - £1000 |  |
