Ancient Persia Orodes I and Artabanos II Drachm and Tetradrachm 90BC to 62BC

These coins are a good example of how archaeological findings and numismatic research go hand in hand to consolidate what we know about history.

One catalog lists these coins as struck by Orodes I (ruled from 90 to 77 BC). Another catalog lists them under Artabanos II. A third under Arsaces I. And a fourth under 'Unknown king'.

The confusion stems from several things. First, each king took a throne name, which means that Orodes I is also known as Arsaces XIV. Secondly, many of the kings are known under one name in one source and under a different name in a different source, making it very difficult to build a consistent chronology.

These coins feature a bearded, long-haired king wearing a necklace and an uniform. The reverse has a seated person with a bow, and the Greek inscription of 'BASILEWS MEGALOU ARSAKOU THEOPATOROS EUERGETOU', which roughly translates into 'Great King Arsaces, God-Father and Benefactor'. The name 'Arsaces' mirrors the throne name Arsaces taken by virtually all Parthian kings of this era, and explains why it's so difficult to differentiate between the kings (i.e. they all had the same name on the coins, even if the titles fluctuated with time.)

Whether you believe that these coins were struck by Orodes I, or an unknown king who may or may not be Artabanos II (not to be confused with the earlier Artabanus II), the values are as follows:

DRACHM (approx. 4 grams):
worn: $50 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $200
well preserved: $700

TETRADRACHM (approx. 16 grams)
worn: $1500
average circulated: $10,000
well preserved: $20,000

Tetradrachms are rare. Counterfeits exist. Only buy rare and valuable coins from dealers you know and trust.

The pictured coin is a drachm from requester Dennis. He has graciously released copyright to us. Thanks. What a neat coin!

Please refer to our Important Terminology page found at the top left in order to properly interpret the catalog values used on this page.
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Coin: 17646, Genre: Ancient, Timeline: Ancient
Created (yyyymm): 201407, Last review: 201704
Appearance: Normal round coin Metallic gray Letters: Block style
Years: sort: -90, filter: -90 to -62
Image: parthia_orodes.jpg
Tags: beading period male draxmai bearded bracelet tied piece periods wiskers dpachmai whisker paxmai man secvnd hairline chair sitting jewelry secvndae stool type apaxmae tetradrachm decadrachma goty drachme sideburns mustache chest ehnikh jeweler second ends octadrachm necklace neckless beard drachmai brooch paxme sideburn apaxmee beaded pin apachmai evvhnikh beareded bow uniforms three pendent ewhnikh tetradrachme jewel point nose dekadrachma 6th chairs mans drachamas moustache pendant dekadrachm throne sit dots drachma seated araxmai ending beads orodes apaxmai decadrachm last uniform mushtash points sitted bevel dpaxmh dachm seat drachm mens pieces drachmes apaxme beared sits encased broach pearl bust artabanos tetradrachma shoulders throned rowing row bead pearls dpaxmai iranian peice shoulder hair tie persian bezel dot tee neck iran goatee hairdo end orode types gotee rows dotted ancient whiskers hmokpatia persia artabanus