Here is my Frank R. purchase from his last auction, but this comes from his unsold list. Was surprised it got no bids, it's a pleasant coin in hand. Gotarzes II (44 - 51 AD) AR Drachm O: Diademed bust left. R: (OΛCIΛCΩC) OΛCIΛ(EΩN) (Λ)I(3 dots)IΛNO(V) ΔIXΛIOV I(3 dots)VI(3 dots)PΓI.TO(V) (EΠ)IΦΛNOVC (ΦIΛEΛ)ΛHXO(C), / Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow; monogram below bow. Ekbatana mint 20.5mm 3.77g Sellwood 65.33; Sunrise –; Shore 364
Very nice! I did see it on the not sold list but I don't know anything about them and it was out of my price range. Glad someone here got it
In any auction, not just Frank's, it is always amazing how some coins fail to get a bid while others sell for many times estimate after a bloody war between several contestants. I suspect this coin was overlooked by some due to the reverse centering but it is certainly a sharp one. I see it as a bit unusual for a Parthian drachm in that the obverse is centered better than the reverse. Many of them are centered very low on the obverse. For example, my coin below (I had it IDed as Artabanus II but am reviewing all my Parthians now and do not stand behind any of my opinions yet) is typically low on the obverse. Over the years Frank must have pointed out this tendency a hundred times on his lists. Having the bottom of the beard on flan makes your coin a keeper in my book.
@dougsmit It is stranger still to see a coin go unsold at an auction, unsold post-auction, and then get driven up to several times estimate when relisted a few months later by the same firm. I've seen it happen a few times now with coins I had watchlisted.. Also, nice coin @Mat ! I've been looking to add a Parthian or two and that one is in wonderful shape.
