Parthians - AR Tetradrachme PHRAATES VI (N2403)

Phraates IV (38/7-2 BC), Silver Tetradrachm, 13.52 g, 29 mm). Overstruck on S55.7-9 Tetradrachm of Tiridates (c. October 31 - April 26 BC, intermittently) at Seleucia on the Tigris. Diademed bust left with medium and tapering beard, wart on brow, wearing spiral torque, dotted border. Rev. King enthroned right, Tyche standing left, diadem and cornucopia in right and left hands respectively, unintelligible year date and month name in exergue due to overstriking, traces of undertype inscription. About very fine, well centred on both sides. Rare. Ex Harlan J. Berk price 500 dollar.

Having probably received support from Augustus, Tiridates deposed Phraates IV in early 26 BC and usurped the Arsacid throne. He then marked his triumph with a Tetradrachm issue at Seleucia on the Tigris, incorporating in its inscription the epithets ΦΙΛ OP Ω MAIOY AYTOKPAT Ω P (sic.). “Friend of the Romans (and) Autocrat”. This was, as Sellwood aptly stated, “an unwise advertisement of his [Tiridates’] predilections and a sufficient reason for his eventual defeat”. Phraates called on the neighbouring countries for aid and a lso enlisted the Scythians in the east against his foe. Having deposed Tiridates, Phraates overstruck his rival’s celebratory output (the S 55.7-9 Tetradrachms from months Xandikos, Artemisios, Daisios, and a new variety from Panemos, covering the period April-July 26 BC). The coin in this lot is both numismatically and historically significant, because it confirms the seizure and destruction of Tiridates’ Tetradrachms shortly after Phraates’ triumphant return in spring 26 BC.