Drachm - Gondopharan tamgha countermark Province of Sogdiana or Margiana
Features
| Issuer |
Indo-Parthian Kingdom
 |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
| Years | 12 BC - 130 AD |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm (12 BC-225 AD) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.3 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Number | N# 439320 |
| References | Senior# 202 Robert C. Senior. Indo-Scythian Coins and History. Classical Numismatic Group, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States (4 volumes). |
Obverse
Diademed short-bearded bust left, wearing torque with pellet end
Star front, crescent behind, Gondopharan tamgha c/m in oval incuse below
Reverse
Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow, seven-line Greek inscription around, anchor symbol behind throne
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ
ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ
ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ
ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ
ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ
ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ
Unabridged legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ
Translation: King of Kings Arsaces, Beneficent, Just, Illustriously born, Lover of Greece.
Comments
These countermarks are found on both Mithradatkart mint drachms of Orodes II (Sellwood 47), as well as imitative drachms of Orodes II and Phraates IV. Known as Gondopharan tamghas, it is believed they are associated with the first king of the Indo Parthians; Gondophares I.
Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time to date these countermarked coins precisely, nor determine with certainty their circulation areas. Late 1st century BC - Early/Mid 1st century AD, and the regions of Sogdiana or Margiana seem to be the most likely answers.
See links for additional research:
See also
Manage my collection
Please sign in or create an account to manage your collection.
| Date | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undetermined | |||||||||||||||
| ND (12 BC - 130 AD) | Province of Sogdiana or Margiana | ||||||||||||||
Get this coin
No member from this site currently wants to exchange it.
Numista Rarity index: 97
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.
Contribute to the catalogue
Modify or add data on this pageRegister a past auction sale
Register an example of this type
Duplicate this page
