KINGS OF ARMENIA. Tigranes I, 121-96 BC. Dichalkon (Bronze, 17 mm, 3.89 g, 11 h), Artaxata, struck under Tigranes II 'the Great', circa 96. Head of the deified Tigranes I to right, wearing five-pointed tiara decorated with a star and tied with a diadem. Rev. [B]AΣΛEΩ[Σ - M]EΓAΛO[Y] - TIΓPAN[OY - ΘEO]Y Elephant walking left. Kovacs 54. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Dark deposits, otherwise, very fine.


This issue was struck by Tigranes II in honor of his deceased father, whose deification also marked the beginning of an Armenian royal era dated to his accession to the throne in 121 BC.