Persis Frataraka Tetradrachm

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 Persis Frataraka Tetradrachm?

The Frataraka ('Foremost') were local princes of Persis (modern Fars) who minted in a deliberate revival of Achaemenid iconography — the ideological seed-bed of the later Sasanian dynasty. Image: related Persis silver of Darius II of Persis. It was struck in c. 220–140 BCE at Istakhr (Persepolis) under Vahbarz / Vadfradad (Frataraka).

What metal and weight is it?

Silver, weighing approximately ~16 g.

What designs appear on it?

Obverse: Frataraka in Persian dress, satrap's cap with diadem. Reverse: Standing king before fire altar with Achaemenid-style stepped façade; Aramaic legend.

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