Ancient Greece - 121-91 BCE Parthian Kingdom, Mithradates II AR Tetradrachm NGC Choice AU Fine Style

Ancient Greece - 121-91 BC Parthian Kingdom, Mithradates II AR Tetradrachm NGC Choice AU Fine Style $5,675.

     We at AUCM are proud to offer a numismatic relic from the Parthian Kingdom, a Tetradrachm from the time of Mithridates II. The obverse features a diademed, draped bust of Mithridates II facing left. Sporting a full beard, this historic figure is surrounded by beads near the rim. The reverse present an archer, Arsaces I, wearing Parthian garb. He sits upon an omphalos, holding a bow outward. There is a vertical palm plant outward. This piece is struck in high relief fine style on a bright planchet. 

     Mithridates II was known as Mithridates the Great in antiquity. He inherited a declining empire that saw military pressure from both East and West. Mithridates promptly stabilized the situation in Mesopotamia by gaining the loyalty of Characene, and neutralizing the rebellious Kingdom of Elymais, as well as the Arabs, who had regularly raided Babylonia. Mithridates II was the first Parthian ruler to expand Parthian rule into the Caucasus, and the kingdoms of Armenia, Iberia, and probably Caucasian Albania became vassal states of the Parthian Kingdom. The years 114/113 BC saw him seize Dura-Europos in Syria from the Seleucids, and by 95 BC the northern Mesopotamian kingdoms of Adiabene, Gordyene, and Oshoene had recognized his authority. At its high point under Mithridates II the Parthian Empire extended from Syria and the Caucasus to Central Asia and India. He established diplomatic relations with Rome and Han China.