Nomos AG, 69
KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates II. 121-91 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 4.12 g, 12h). Ekbatana mint. Struck circa 96/5-91 BC. Diademed bust left, wearing tiara with ear flap; neck torque ends in single pellet / BAΣILEΩΣ BAΣILEΩ[N] MEΓAΛOV APΣAKOV EΠIΦANOVΣ, archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 28.2; Shore 96. Superb EF, toned. An exceptional example of this issue.
As a direct result of Mithradates’ successful wars, leading to the expansion of the Parthian Empire, he was obliged to install subordinate local rulers, and consequently adopt the title “King of Kings.” This title was introduced in the Sellwood 27 series of silver and bronze coinage, circa 109 BC. Mithradates’ new tiara portraits were introduced circa 96/5 BC, and comprised the Sellwood 28 - 29 series – the final issues which lasted until the end of his reign.
