Parthia Vardanes I (40-47 AD) AE Chalkous 11mm/1.8gr.. Obverse- Bust left with short beard, wearing diadem and spiral torque; hair in three distinct waves with earring visible; diadem pendants shown as three lines; circular border of pellets. Reverse- Monogram ΜΤΘ; legend as dashes Mint- Mithradatkart-Near modern Askabad in Turkmenistan. Ref- Sellwood 64 type variant (ΜΤΘ monogram) This is quite a rare type Vardanes I (40-47 AD) The supposed son of Artabanus II,spent most of his reign fighting against his brother Gotarzes II, a rival claimant to the throne,and at one point was ousted by him although quickly resumed power once again.It's said he was as a young and highly gifted ruler of great energy, but lacking in humanity and so in about 47 AD he was assassinated while hunting and Gotarzes II became King again. Thanks to Bob L for his help in attributing it. Paul
