Parthian coinage

Parthian coinage was produced within the domains of the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD). The coins struck by the Parthians were mainly made of silver,^[3] with the main currencies being the drachm and tetradrachm.^[4] The tetradrachm, which generally weighed around 16 g, was only minted in Seleucia, first conquered by the Parthians in 141 BC.^[5] Design-wise, Parthian coinage was based on Seleucid and Achaemenid satrapal coinage.^[6]

Tetradrachm of the Parthian king Vologases I, struck at Seleucia. On the obverse is a portrait of the king wearing a trouser-suit, diadem and beard. The reverse depicts an investiture scene, where the king is receiving a scepter by the Greek goddess Tyche. In the Parthian era, Iranians used Hellenistic iconography to portray their divine figures,^[1] thus the investiture scene can be associated with the Avestan khvarenah, i.e. kingly glory.^[2]

See also

• Achaemenid coinage
• Sasanian coinage