INDO-PARTHIANS, Early Indo-Parthians. Uncertain ruler, after circa 125-85 BC. AE (Bronze, 17x16 mm, 3.23 g, 12 h). [ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΥ (?)] - ΑΡΣΑΚΟ[Υ] Horse advancing right; below, monogram. Rev. Bow in quiver; behind, arrow; all within bead and reel border within double linear square. Sellwood -. Senior 192.1D. Of the highest rarity, just two examples recorded by Senior, both in public collections. Somewhat rough, otherwise, fine.

This enigmatic issue, known from only a few examples, was assigned by Senior to a 'King's Brother', based on the reading of 'ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ' on the obverse of the BM coin (followed by an uncertain word starting with either 'ΣΠΑΛ' or 'ΦΙΛ' (for 'ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΥ'?) on the right side of the obverse). Our coin now allows the secure reading of the bottom part of the legend, which is certainly 'ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ'. This may indicate that this type is, in fact, linked to an equally enigmatic issue with the same types struck in the name of 'Arsakes Theos'. The types are also similar to an issue struck by the Indo-Skythian Maues (Senior 6.1) and may have been inspired by the latter, likely placing our coin in the area of Gandhara in the late 2nd-1st century BC. As to who produced it, perhaps he was a local Parthian ruler who sought to bolster his own legitimacy by linking himself with his deified brother.