KINGS OF ARMENIA. Tigranes I, 121-96 BC. Chalkous (Bronze, 13 mm, 2.61 g), posthumous issue, struck under Tigranes II. Tigranokerta, circa 80s-70s BC. Head of Tigranes I to right, wearing tiara decorated with a star and tied with a diadem. Rev. BAΣΙΛE - MEΓAΛ - TIΓPANOY - ΘEOY Head of a lion to right. Kovacs 59. Of the highest rarity and great importance. Nearly fine.



This type, with an impressive lion's head on the reverse, was minted by Tigranes II in honor of his deceased and deified father, Tigranes I, as indicated by the inscription. It is one of the greatest rarities in the coinage of Tigranes II, the most illustrious of all Armenian kings.