Phraates III came to power in roughly 70 BC after a period of Parthian dynastic chaos, and his reign is notable for the diplomatic maneuvering he conducted between Rome and Pontus — playing Pompey and Mithridates VI against each other with considerable skill. Small copper denominations of this type circulated in the eastern satrapies where silver drachms were too valuable for everyday exchange. Sellwood's var. designation here suggests minor die differences from the primary classification, not unusual given the decentralized nature of Parthian copper production across multiple mints.
Phraates III came to power in roughly 70 BC after a period of Parthian dynastic chaos, and his reign is notable for the diplomatic maneuvering he conducted between Rome and Pontus — playing Pompey and Mithridates VI against each other with considerable skill. Small copper denominations of this type circulated in the eastern satrapies where silver drachms were too valuable for everyday exchange. Sellwood's var. designation here suggests minor die differences from the primary classification, not unusual given the decentralized nature of Parthian copper production across multiple mints.