I've been cataloguing my Parthian collection lately, and I was really struck by this coin: It's a drachm of Osroes I (109- 129 AD). Notice the big tufts of hair on the side and top of his head. I assume that all that hair is supposed to show us how virile and strong the king is (think of Samson, whose strength depended on his long hair). However, to me it just makes him look like a French poodle. Thoughts? Any other notable hair on coin portraits?
Ummm, does big helmet-head count? Islamic, Anatolia & al-Jazira, AE30 1170-1180 AD Young male with winged figures Ionia, Klazomenai, AE19 400-350 BC Athena & Ram with Trophy Troas, Sigeion, AE20 400-200 BC Athena & Two-bodied Owl ... if not, I'll delete 'em
I like the weird forward-facing owl on the third coin, so I'll allow it . I think the first coin you posted is from the Zangids of Mosul, correct? Where are the other two from? (That portrait looks vaguely familiar, but I'm drawing a blank.)
Of all the Parthians I do not have, I really would like the Vologases V facing bust. https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=49598
Hey, I updated my coins' info (please see above) ... sorry, I was in a bit of a hurry to pass-out last night, so I must have rushed that last post?
Yes, Parthicus! Some of those guys of the Arsacid line – both in Parthia proper and in Elymais – had wacky, puffy tripartite hair. Some of my examples (obverses only), below Osroes I (Parthia) drachm Vologases V (Parthia) tets and a drachm Orodes IV (Elymais) drachms Orodes V (Elymais) drachm And the KING OF KINGS OF WACKY HAIR…Kamnaskires-Orodes (Elymais)! Two drachms and two tets:
Bob L.: Lots of great examples there! Here's my Vologases V drachm and tet: I think Vol V's portrait on the tet is less silly-looking than the Osroes I, if only because the top hair poof gets cut off the edge of the flan. But the front-facing drachm portrait somehow looks even sillier than Osroes'. And those last four Elymaeans you posted look ready to form a heavy metal band!
Thanks, Valentinian (and Parthicus)! If I'm not mistaken, I believe the Aramaic legends on those Kamnaskires-Orodes tets translates as something like "wet finger in an electrical outlet." (Kinda makes sense given the portraits)