The year 2020 has been a dark year from a numismatic point of view (and not only from this point of view...). So I have to add some coins acquired at the end of 2019 to be able to present a Top Ten. Some are chosen mainly for, in my opinion, their aesthetic qualities, others especially for their rarity. In chronological order of their issue: 1- Dynasts of Lycia – 1/3 Stater – Pericles (c. 380-360 B.C.) A common coin, and I will let it to you to choose the appropriate English word for the flan of this coin (in French: patatoïde!). But I really like it because the lion is intact and the legend is fully legible. 2- Achaemenid Kingdom – Siglos – (Lydia, c. 375-336 B.C.) This type IV (Carradice) is much less common than type III. But what I especially appreciate is its style and its above average quality of conservation. 3- Arsaces II (211-185 B.C.) – Drachm S.7.1 – Hekatompylos The S.6 drachms of Arsaces II are common, but the S.7 and S.8 are rather rare. It takes a little luck to find one in good condition. 4- Mithradates I (164-132 B.C.) – Tetrachalkos S.12.9 – Ecbatana The bronze coins of Mithradates I are few in number and hard to find in good condition. I like the portrait of Mithridates on this bronze coin. 5- Mithradates II (121-91 B.C.) – Drachm S.28.2 – Ecbatana A common coin, but a powerful style, and for the Parthian drachms probably one of the issues where the engravers gave the best of themselves. 6- Orodes II (57-38 B.C.) – Drachm S.45.33 v. – Rhagae or Susa ? It's an intriguing coin. Type 45.33 bears the Rhagae monogram on the reverse. But this specimen, by the style of its obverse and even more of its reverse, seems to be by the engraver of Susa. It is also possible that Sellwood noticed the differences in style between the various specimens of this type, because exceptionally he omitted to specify the mint. The mystery remains to be clarified ... 7- Phraates IV (38-2 B.C.) – Drachm S.52.13 – "Court at Rhagae" Almost all of the drachms described as S.52.13 are in fact S.52.31 ("Court at Susa"). There is actually only a handful of S.52.13 drachms, which are easily identified by the style of the reverse, with in particular the archer who looks upwards, and the incoherent but well recognizable legend (as on the rare S.50.15). 8- Phraates IV (38-2 B.C.) – Drachm S.54.- – Nisa This drachm is not very attractive, but the crescent only / eagle combination on the obverse is unpublished for Nisa. So far, I do not know any other identical specimen. 9- Artabanos (10-38 A.D.) – Drachm S.63.10 – Susa This type was known by Sellwood. Yet it is the only specimen I have ever seen. 10- Unknown King (c. 140 A.D.) – Drachm S.83.1 – Mint? This drachm is said to be rare, but uncommon would be more accurate. There are many dies, with several variants. The monogram is that of Ecbatana, but this type was probably struck in another mint, which we cannot locate.
An excellent selection @Alwin . Lots of wonderful Parthians (of which my favorite is probably the Mithradates I bronze), but my favorite coin overall is the Achaemenid siglos. Even though it's not a rare type, the preservation is exquisite for these- I don't think I've seen a better specimen for sale.
All wonderful coins - I voted for 3,4,8 as my favorites. I find the condition/artistry of portrait of #4 the Mithradates I (164-132 B.C.) – Tetrachalkos, to be particularly surprising. Best wishes for 2021.
All of those coins are great! That Arsaces II drachm and the Mithradates II drachm are tough to beat...
Great coins! I like #1 and 2. #1 has nice full lion head obverse, and #2 has such beautiful obverse style.
#2, #4 and #9 were my votes. What an impressive run of parthian rarities @Alwin ! The siglos is gorgeous, that archer runs so fast he will soon jump out of the flan !! Well done Q
Alwin, I don't know what you mean by "dark year from a numismatic point of view", but there is nothing dark about your impressive selection of coins . My favorite pick would be #5, the drachm of Mithradates II. This coin is the whole package: great artwork/engraving, well struck & centered, virtual mint state, & attractive toning . My 2nd favorite would be #2, the Persian siglos from Lydia. You make a good point about this coin, it hasn't been over-cleaned as the vast majority of these coins seen in the market today. What caused the cavity on the Kings chest, a bankers mark possibly ? My 3rd favorite would be #6, the drachm of Orodes II, for the same reasons I liked the drachm of Mithradates II. The unproven mint origin gives this coin special interest too .
Despite the year being dark, you did manage to grab some highlights. Hopefully 2021 will bring you (and us all) more cheerful circumstances... I'm not into the coinage you collect, but no. 2 and no. 5 are really impressive. No. 2 because of the style of the obverse. And 5 for overall eye appeal; it's a beauty!
Wonderful additions! Seeing these Parthian coins I really should start buying some of them, especially Mithridates I. #2 has great style, #4 is very nicely preserved and great portrait of Mithridates. #3 is very nice has well, I like the early coins. What is the big difference between S6 and S7/8?
S.6: - archer seated on a throne - eagle below bow S.7 - S.8: - archer seated on Omphalos - nothing below bow And thank you all for your kind comments!
Your Siglos #2 has an incredibly artistic obverse die and is a standout favorite of mine (I admit to knowing little/nothing about your Parthian coins, unfortunately).
