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Drachm - Phraates III Rhagae
| Issuer | Parthian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 70 BC - 57 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
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| Reverse lettering | ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ |
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| Additional information |
Phraates III came to power around 70 BC with Tigranes of Armenia and Lucullus both pressing on Parthian territory simultaneously — a geopolitical vice that forced him into careful diplomacy with Rome rather than open conflict. He played Pompey and Lucullus against each other with considerable skill, ultimately securing Roman recognition of the Euphrates as the boundary between the two powers. The Rhagae mint, situated near modern Tehran on the ancient road east toward Bactria, handled a substantial share of his silver output precisely because it sat far from those western pressures.
Sellwood 39.5 is distinguished by its specific diadem and earring treatment. Phraates III was eventually murdered by his own sons, Mithridates and Orodes, around 57 BC.