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Chalkous - Artabanus II
| Issuer | Parthian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 10-38 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | A centrally placed amphora depicted in outline, occupying the primary field of the reverse. The vessel is rendered schematically, as was conventional on Parthian bronze chalkous issues of this period, with the characteristic narrow neck and broad body of a Hellenistic amphora type. The surrounding field is largely plain, with the design showing the typical irregularity of a hand-struck provincial copper issue. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Artabanus II spent much of his reign in open conflict with Rome-backed rivals for the Parthian throne, and his coinage reflects a dynasty under pressure — issues were struck across multiple mints with considerable variation, which accounts for the "var." designation against Sellwood 61.12. The small copper chalkous denominations of this period circulated at the lowest economic tier, handling transactions that silver drachms and tetradrachms never touched.
Artabanus II is also notable as the Parthian king who briefly installed Tiridates III on the Armenian throne around 35 AD, drawing direct Roman intervention under Tiberius.