KINGS OF ARMENIA. Artavasdes II, 56-34 BC. Obol (Silver, 9 mm, 0.47 g), Artaxata, RY 6 or 7 = 51/0 or 50/49 BC. Draped bust of Artavasdes II to right, wearing five-pointed tiara decorated with a star between two eagles and tied with a diadem. Rev. [BAΣIΛEΩΣ - BAΣIΛEΩN / AΡTAΥAZΔOΥ] Helios (?) driving quadriga to left, being crowned with wreath by small figure of Nike held in his right hand. Kovacs -. Unpublished and unique, the first known obol in the Armenian series and hence a highly important discovery. Porous and rough, with some minor edge chipping, otherwise, very fine.



This unique piece provides the first evidence of the minting of small silver denominations under Artavasdes II, of which only tetradrachms and drachms were previously known. The size and weight suggest that it is an obol, representing the first attested obol in the entire Armenian series. Unfortunately, due to its condition, it is unclear whether the reverse die was dated; however, it likely belongs to the series of drachms from the years 51/50 and 50/49 BC.