hi i want to get this coin but the seller is not sure what is the coin so if anyone knows what it is and what is the price of it please tell me i will appreciate it http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/85/e3/eabb_1.JPG http://i8.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/85/e3/ebf7_1.JPG thanks
Looks like a Drachm of one of the Parthian Kings, probably Mithradates I, but I'm not 100% on the ruler.
I agree that the photos are of the same ruler but are you sure it's Artabanos II? He ruled from 10-38AD and didn't resemble this guy. http://www.parthia.com/parthia_coins_parthia.htm http://www.parthia.com/artabanus2.htm This is the best site on parthian coinage...here's the second best: http://www.grifterrec.com/coins/parthia/parthian4.html There was another Artabanos(us) II that ruled in the 2nd century BC though.
Drusus, I just found this on VCoins where you got your pics I believe,so maybe it IS him.I'm still suspicious though because none of the other Parthian sites show coins with this design.Notice that they were re-attributed from another king.VCoins is a really good site so I'm keeping an open mind.They list the same dates as you so my feeling is that it's a third Artabanos II...very confusing. http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/apollo/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=488 Doug Smith still thinks this is Orodes I and judging from his other coins,that nose is pretty unmistakable. http://dougsmith.ancients.info/parthar.html
I got the examples from coin archives where I had seen this coin before...there are many different examples and the style varies widely for his coins. I honestly am not sure if these atribution are correct but there are quite a few similar to the coin posted here with the same attribution...some say it was first unknown, then attributed to Orodes I and then to Artibanos II. The write up on one entry says: These are quite rare and with the exception of examples from Ekbatana and Rhagae, were struck from unprofessionally executed dies implying lack of bullion and skilful artisans. [Dr. Assar believes] that while some or all of these varieties may have been issued during Artabanus’ long Parthian campaigns against Sinatrukes and then his son and successor, Phraates III, (circa 77-67/6 BC), some were also minted later to finance his invasion of the kingdom to reclaim the throne (circa 62 BC). This might explain the difference in style. http://www.coinarchives.com/a/results.php?results=100&search=Artabanos+II
