Coin buying has slow going so far for 2020 but I still manage to snag one now and then. I have eyed this Pakoros II for awhile and finally decided to accept the offer I was given instead of waiting for a cheaper one. Price was still fair when all was said and done. Pakoros II (77/78 - 105 A.D.) AR Drachm O: Diademed bust of Pakoros II left with short beard and wearing a tiara with "hooks”. R: Archer (Arsaces) seated right on throne, wearing bashlyk and holding bow. 7 line retrograde legend: OΛIIΛEΛC OΛIIΛEΛN ΛPIΛNOV ΔIXΛIOV IVIIΓITO(V) IΠIΦΛNOVC ΦIΛIΛHNOC. 23mm 3.18g Ecbatana Mint Sellwood 77.8; Shore 399; Sunrise 434 (Pakoros I); SNP Pacorus II – Type VII
An awesome pickup, Mat, with a nice, sharp obverse and a super rendition of a crested Parthian tiara. Well done.
I particularly like the large flan that retains so much of the reverse legend. Mine is more normal and missing significant legend. Most of these are centered low on the obverse but yours still has all the beard even though it is centered low.
These coins are frustrating to me. Am I mistaken or is this Pakoros I now...I know the history is kind of fluid as new information comes to light. I like to know the history behind my coins and I have been struggling to write about a coin from this ruler. I am of the understanding that the ruler Pakoros II is now considered Pakoros I. I have found my research into this ruler, time and place might take time.
As the ruler's name is not inscribed on the drachms, associating a ruler's name with an issue is always questionable. Also, according to the authors and depending to the evolution of our knowledge, this name may vary (the numbering of Artaban for example). On the other hand, associate a drachm with its Sellwood number is almost always possible, which is essential. To get an idea of the attributions according to the authors, you can take a look here: http://www.parthika.fr/Chronologie.html
Here's a larger bronze which I think is the only type issued in his name. Pakores Ae Tetradrachm (23mm, 8.1gms) Ox: Bust left Rx: Nike standing right, holding wreath and scepter; monograms flanking legs
Thanks for this link - it certainly makes it easier see the evolution of the attributions, which can be extremely confusing. This point has probably been brought up before, but under S.74 the linked table lists Artaban III, however in "Numismatic Art of Persia - The Sunrise Collection", Assar lists No. 442, Sellwood 74.6, as Artaban V. The most recent ACSearch listings seem to comply to Artaban V, although a few attribute Sunrise 442 to Artaban IV. Not sure if this is a misprint in the table or is a point of ongoing discussion.
I think that we should not give too much importance to the numbering of Artabanos (and others). What matters is who we are talking about, and for that we have reign dates. Artabanos (126-122 BC) S.19, 20, 21, 22 Artabanos (AD 10-38) S.61, 62, 63 Artabanos (AD 80-90) S.74 Artabanos (AD 216-224) S.89, 90 ... and probably more with the same name.
This Pakores is not the Parthian Pacorus (I or II). He is an Indo-Parthian ruler (Gondopharid Dynasty), mid/late 1st century AD. It is not the only type issued for him. His drachms: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=241941
This is the Pakoros I was referring to... As opposed to the earlier Pakoros who formerly was considered Pakoros I.
This is what I thought from looking at the various list in the link. Why is he now Pakoros I and not II? Also, could you recommend some reading material that that sheds some light on him? I have found some but that Information is sparse. Just wondering if you (anyone) might have some suggestion about best sources.
two steps: - GRF Assar reassigns the very rare S.49 drachms to a son of Phraates IV (also named Phraates). - He reassigns the drachms S.78 to Pacorus (thus became I instead of II). This would imply that Vologases III, despite one of the longest reigns of the Arsacid period, did not issue any drachm... I could not indicate a reading specifically on Pacorus or Vologases III. But you will find many sources here: http://www.parthika.fr/Bibliographie.html
Perfect, thanks so much. What is the likelihood that Vologases III never issued any drachma. Also, I assume other than coinage, he is the second Pakoros to rule, the other ruled along side his father Orodes II (much earlier) or possibly this is in question.
