Quote:
Mithridates iii, Ecbatana mint
Mithridates iii, Ecbatana mint
Yeah, the seller was wrong on both accounts. Orodes II, Traxiane mint. (The "T" below the archer's bow is the Traxiane mint mark) As an eastern mint in the Parthian territory, further removed from Western (Greek) influence, Traxiane produced some off-style renditions of Parthian drachms. Of course, this could also be a contemporary imitation of a Traxiane drachm.
I've got a late-sleeping holiday houseguest occupying my office this morn, and don't have access to my books right now to pin down the attribution. Given the anchor behind the archer, however, it might be a Sellwood 47.34. I also note the odd curve behind the neck of Orodes on the obverse. Either a post-minting gouge or evidence of an overstrike, I imagine.
Definitely an interesting coin, and not your run-of-the-mill Parthian. Good pickup.






















