Persian Treasury
فارسی11 eras

Parthian (Arsacid) Empire
Mithradates II Drachm
Coinage shifts from Greek to Iranian royal imagery.
| Date | 121–91 BCE |
|---|---|
| Ruler / issuer | Mithradates II |
| Mint | Ecbatana, Rhagae |
| Metal | Silver |
| Weight | ~4.0 g |
| Era | Parthian (Arsacid) Empire (247 BCE – 224 CE) |
| Region | Iran, Mesopotamia, Armenia |
Obverse and reverse
Obverse
Bust with tiara crown — first appearance of Parthian tiara.
Reverse
Archer seated; expanded titulature 'King of Kings'.
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.
Read the full Parthian (Arsacid) Empire essay →Frequently asked
- What is the Mithradates II Drachm?
- Coinage shifts from Greek to Iranian royal imagery. It was struck in 121–91 BCE at Ecbatana, Rhagae under Mithradates II.
- What metal and weight is it?
- Silver, weighing approximately ~4.0 g.
- What designs appear on it?
- Obverse: Bust with tiara crown — first appearance of Parthian tiara. Reverse: Archer seated; expanded titulature 'King of Kings'.