Mint

Coins struck at Rhagae

1 catalogued coin and note attributed to Rhagae, with weights, legends, dates and Wikimedia-sourced images across Parthian (Arsacid) Empire.

In short

Rhagae — Greek for the city later called Ray — was a major Parthian mint on the Khorasan road, and its output is among the most frequently encountered Arsacid silver today. Rhagae is a mint of the Iranian world represented in the Persian Treasury catalogue by 1 coin and note struck between 91 BCE – 121 CE. Its output here covers Silver in the Drachm denominations, issued under Mithradates II.

Catalogued
1
Eras
1
Metals
1
Denominations
1

Key facts

Key facts about Rhagae in the Persian Treasury catalogue
Catalogued pieces1
Date range91 BCE – 121 CE
Eras representedParthian (Arsacid) Empire
MetalsSilver
DenominationsDrachm
IssuersMithradates II
Greek nameRhagae
Later namesRay; al-Muhammadiya
Principal coinParthian silver drachm
IdentificationMint monogram in reverse exergue

Parthian workhorse mint

Rhagae drachms appear in volume for most Arsacid reigns, and its mint monogram in the reverse exergue is one of the first a collector learns to recognise.

The city sat where the plateau routes converged, so its output reflects both military payment and genuine commercial demand.

From Rhagae to Ray

The same site continues as Ray under the Sasanians and as al-Muhammadiya in Abbasid mint legends — one city with three names across three monetary systems, which is why its coins can be catalogued in three different places.

For a collector, following that name chain through a tray is one of the clearest ways to see continuity across Iran's political ruptures.

Parthian (Arsacid) Empire · 247 BCE – 224 CE

Era overview →

Frequently asked about Rhagae

Is Rhagae the same as Ray?
Yes. Rhagae is the Greek form of the city later known as Ray, and as al-Muhammadiya on Abbasid coinage; its ruins lie in southern Tehran.
Are Rhagae drachms common?
Among the most common Parthian silver, which makes them a good starting point for learning Arsacid mint monograms.
What coins were struck at Rhagae?
Rhagae is a mint of the Iranian world represented in the Persian Treasury catalogue by 1 coin and note struck between 91 BCE – 121 CE. Its output here covers Silver in the Drachm denominations, issued under Mithradates II.
How many Rhagae pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
1 item, dated 91 BCE – 121 CE, spread across 1 era: Parthian (Arsacid) Empire.
Which metals were used for Rhagae coinage?
Silver. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
Which denominations are associated with Rhagae?
Drachm. Every denomination has its own reference page with dated examples.