Characene Tetradrachm — Spasinou Charax

Historical context — Parthian (Arsacid) Empire

The Arsacid kings issued silver drachms and bronze chalkoi at Ecbatana, Seleucia, Susa, Mithradatkart and Rhagae. Reverse types are remarkably consistent: the seated archer Arsaces.

Frequently asked

What is the Characene Tetradrachm — Spasinou Charax?

The Kingdom of Characene at the head of the Persian Gulf was a Parthian vassal controlling Indian Ocean trade. Its coins debased steadily as silver gave way to lead-bronze. Image: related Elymaean billon tetradrachm. It was struck in 1st century BCE – 1st century CE at Spasinou Charax (mouth of the Tigris) under Attambelos I of Characene.

What metal and weight is it?

Billon silver, weighing approximately ~14 g.

What designs appear on it?

Obverse: Diademed bust of the king right. Reverse: Seated Herakles with Greek and later Aramaic legend.

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