KINGS OF PARTHIA. Mithradates I, 165-132 BC. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 3.32 g, 1 h), Seleukeia on the Tigris, SE 173 = 140/39 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates I to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ / MEΓAΛOY - APΣAKOY Zeus seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; to left, monogram; in exergue, [ΓOP]. Sellwood 13.8. Shore 8. Sunrise 264. Very rare. An attractively toned example of this historically important issue. Very fine.


While the founder of the Parthian Empire was Arsakes I (247-211 BC), it would be Mithradates I who, through the conquest of Baktria (150s), Media (148/7) and Mesopotamia (141/0), established it as a major power for the centuries to come. A large-scale Seleukid counter offensive under Demetrios II initially proved to be quite successful, but the Greek King was eventually defeated and captured by Mithradates I in 138 after refusing a peace offer by his opponent. The present coin of Mithradates I was struck two years before, in 140/39, in the recently captured Seleukid mint of Seleukeia on the Tigris, explaining its distinctively Greek style.