Sale: Triton XIII, Lot: 565. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Monday, 4 January 2010.  Sold For $300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates II. 121-91 BC. AR Drachm (4.12 g, 12h). Rhagai mint. Struck circa 109-96/5 BC. Diademed and draped bust left, wearing long beard, earring, and torque; all within pelleted border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣI ΛEΩN [M]EΓΛΛOY AP ΣAKOY/EΠIΦANOY[Σ], archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 27.1; Shore 85. EF, bright surfaces.

From the Todd A. Ballen Collection.

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 was inaugurated in the S27 series of silver and bronze coinage, circa 109 BC. According to the “annual” Susa bronze issues, Mithradates’ new tiara portraits were introduced circa 96/5 BC, and comprised the S28 - S29 series--the final issues which lasted until the end of his reign.