A Parthian Tiara-Type Tet Obsession

Another well spotted, well purchased and superb Parthian Tetradrachm Bob!
(In the eleven years of buying ancient coins I can count the number of Parthian coins I have bought on one hand and may have a couple of pinkies to spare at that!)

I'm returning to this old thread to add what looks to be two more acquisitions. Been tracking the results of a European auction today, and it looks like I won the two lots below. (Thanks, antwerpen2306/Albert, for bringing the auction to my attention) I'm sure it'll be some time before I have the coins in hand, so figured I'd use the auction house's pics and post them today.

They are both Vologases III tets and will find a welcome home in my collection of the tiara-types I enjoy so much. These two coins are in rough shape with porosity, wear, and scrapes - but, importantly, they come with great provenance. Specifically they are from the collection of Alberto Simonetta, a major scholar in the world of Parthian and Indo-Parthian numismatics. If anyone is interested, a list of his extensive works (which span 1949 through 2007) is available in the bibliography at Parthia.com, about a quarter way down the page here: http://www.parthia.com/webreport_59.htm


Vologases III (c. AD 105-147). BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.56g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Tigris, year 438 (AD 126). Diademed and draped bust l., wearing tiara; Γ behind. R/ Vologases seated l., receiving wreath from Tyche standing r., holding sceptre. Sellwood 79.26 var. (year).



Vologases III (c. AD 105-147). BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 13.15g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Tigris, year 440 (AD 127/8). Diademed and draped bust l., wearing tiara. R/ Vologases seated l., receiving wreath from Tyche standing r., holding sceptre. Sellwood 79.25-8 var. (year). Ex CNG 1996, Sale 37, lot 754