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.
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.