Colonial Acres Coins
SKU: SKU:AC-0418
Ancient Kingdom of Parthia 87-80 BC Archer/Mithradates III Silver Drachm Extra Fine (EF40)
Ancient Kingdom of Parthia 87-80 BC Archer/Mithradates III Silver Drachm Extra Fine (EF40)
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Ancient Kingdom of Parthia 87-80 BC Archer/Mithradates III Silver Drachm Extra Fine (EF40)
Mithridates III of Parthia was a mid-1st century BCE ruler of the Parthian Empire, whose brief and urbulent reign was shaped by internal conflict rather than external conquest. He came to power amid a dynastic struggle, likely seizing the throne from his brother, Orodes II, but his hold on power was short-lived. Mithridates attempted to strengthen his position with the support of local elites and Greek cities in Mesopotamia, yet he ultimately failed to secure lasting loyalty. Orodes II quickly regained control, defeating Mithridates and reasserting his rule. It is possible the Mithradates III survived and fled north, until dying a year later. However, as his rule fell during a period known as the "Parthian Dark Age", where for approximately a half century nearly no written records survive beyond numismatics, some scholars dispute his existence entirely.
Obverse: Draped bust of Mithradates III, wearing a tiara with an ear flap and adorned with an eight-rayed start, with a torque ending in a pellet.
Reverse: An archer (Arsakes I) in Parthian dress, seated on a throne facing right, with a bow in his outstretched hand.
Specifications:
Monarch: Mithridates III (87BC-80BC)
Composition: Silver
Weight: approx. 4.05 g
Diamater: approx. 20 mm
Mint: Ecbatana (modern-day Hamedan, Iran)
Mithridates III of Parthia was a mid-1st century BCE ruler of the Parthian Empire, whose brief and urbulent reign was shaped by internal conflict rather than external conquest. He came to power amid a dynastic struggle, likely seizing the throne from his brother, Orodes II, but his hold on power was short-lived. Mithridates attempted to strengthen his position with the support of local elites and Greek cities in Mesopotamia, yet he ultimately failed to secure lasting loyalty. Orodes II quickly regained control, defeating Mithridates and reasserting his rule. It is possible the Mithradates III survived and fled north, until dying a year later. However, as his rule fell during a period known as the "Parthian Dark Age", where for approximately a half century nearly no written records survive beyond numismatics, some scholars dispute his existence entirely.
Obverse: Draped bust of Mithradates III, wearing a tiara with an ear flap and adorned with an eight-rayed start, with a torque ending in a pellet.
Reverse: An archer (Arsakes I) in Parthian dress, seated on a throne facing right, with a bow in his outstretched hand.
Specifications:
Monarch: Mithridates III (87BC-80BC)
Composition: Silver
Weight: approx. 4.05 g
Diamater: approx. 20 mm
Mint: Ecbatana (modern-day Hamedan, Iran)
