Lot
887
KINGS OF PARTHIA. Sinatrukes, 93/2-70/69 BC. Drachm (Silver, 21 mm, 4.12 g, 12 h), uncertain Eastern mint, perhaps Mithradatkart or Nisa, circa 93/2. Diademed bust of Sinatrukes to left, wearing tiara and neck torque ending in sea-horse. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - MEΓAΛOY - APΣAKOY - ΘEOΠATPOY / NIKATOPOΣ Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow. BMC Parthia -, cf. 67 ('Phraates III?'). Sellwood -, cf. 33.3 ('Gotarzes I'). Shore -, cf. 112 ('Gotarzes I'). Triton VII (2004), 428 (same dies). Extremely rare, apparently the second known example. A few minor marks, otherwise, very fine.
The appearance of the first known example of this type in 2004 was the basis for the reattribution of the Sellwood type 33 drachms from Gotarzes I to Sinatrukes. As noted in the Triton catalogue, this unusual type combines elements from the coins of Mithradates II with those of whom we know now is Sinatrukes, most notably the neck torque ending in a sea-horse, a unique feature in the entire Selwood 33 series. Furthermore, it also has a portrait with features resembling Mithradates II, most particularly the prominent cheeks and beard, while the tiara is undoubtedly that of Sinatrukes, making these extremely rare coins the link between two reigns that followed in close succession.