Persian Treasury
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Coinage of Vologases VI

1 catalogued issue of Vologases VI — metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions with references.

In short

Vologases VI (208–228 CE) was among the last Arsacid kings, ruling a Parthia split by civil war with his brother Artabanus IV as Ardashir's Sasanian revolt gathered in Fars. Vologases VI issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 208 CE – 228 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Billon at Ecbatana.

Catalogued
1
Eras
1
Metals
1
Denominations
1

Key facts

Key facts about Vologases VI in the Persian Treasury catalogue
Catalogued pieces1
Date range208 CE – 228 CE
Eras representedParthian (Arsacid) Empire
MetalsBillon
DenominationsDrachm
MintsEcbatana
Reign208–228 CE
RivalArtabanus IV, his brother
Principal mintSeleucia
Dynasty endsSasanian victory, 224 CE

A divided kingdom

The brothers' war fractured Parthian resources at the worst possible moment. Roman invasions under Caracalla and Macrinus added further strain, and coinage from the period reflects a contested and shrinking authority.

Vologases VI's issues, mostly from Seleucia, are scarcer than mainstream Parthian silver and are among the terminal types of the dynasty.

The end of the Arsacids

Ardashir defeated Artabanus IV in 224 CE and mopped up remaining resistance over the following years. Four hundred and seventy years of Arsacid rule ended in a dynastic quarrel exploited by a provincial vassal.

Collectors value late Parthian issues precisely for that closing position in the sequence, immediately before the Sasanian drachm changes everything.

Parthian (Arsacid) Empire · 247 BCE – 224 CE

Era overview →

Vologases VI Drachm

Vologases VI

208–228 CE

Vologases VI was the last Arsacid king; he was overthrown by Ardashir I, who founded the Sasanian Empire.

Frequently asked about Vologases VI

Who was the last Parthian king?
Artabanus IV, defeated by Ardashir I in 224 CE, though his brother Vologases VI continued to issue coinage for a few years afterwards.
Why did the Parthian empire fall?
A dynastic civil war between Vologases VI and Artabanus IV, compounded by Roman invasions, left the state open to Ardashir's revolt from Fars.
What coins did Vologases VI issue?
Vologases VI issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 208 CE – 228 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Billon at Ecbatana.
How many Vologases VI pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
1 item, dated 208 CE – 228 CE, spread across 1 era: Parthian (Arsacid) Empire.
Which metals were used for Vologases VI coinage?
Billon. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
Which denominations are associated with Vologases VI?
Drachm. Every denomination has its own reference page with dated examples.
Where were Vologases VI coins minted?
Recorded mints include Ecbatana.

Explore related hubs

Denominations here

Metals here