KINGS OF ELYMAIS. Kamnaskires II Nikephoros, circa 147-139 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 15.92 g, 6 h), Susa. Diademed head of Kamnaskires II to right; behind, monogram. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - KAMNIΣKIPOY / ИIΧHΦOPOY Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow. Van’t Haaff Type 2.1.1-5 var. (slightly differing monogram). Very rare and with an unusually attractive portrait. Struck from slightly worn dies and with minor traces of cleaning, otherwise, very fine.



Kamnaskires II was one of several kings of Elymais known chiefly from their coinage, who, amid the collapse of Seleukid authority in the Iranian provinces, established independent realms. In addition to the numismatic evidence, he is recorded in the Babylonian astronomical diaries, which describe raids by Elymaean marauders under his command. His very rare coins were likely struck in Susa (named Seleukia on the Eulaios at the time) and still stand entirely in the tradition of the crumbling Seleukid imperial power. The workmanship on our specimen remains of high quality, suggesting that the Elymaean usurpers had taken over parts of the Seleukid mint. Soon afterward, however, the artistic standard of Elymaean coinage declined sharply, and the inscriptions becamse increasingly degraded.