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Drachm - Phraates - Kingdom of Elymais Arsacid Dynasty
| Issuer | Elymais |
|---|---|
| Year | 100-150 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Eagle displayed facing, with wings spread, rendered in a highly schematic and stylized manner typical of late Elymaic coinage. The eagle motif, a hallmark of Elymaic dynastic reverse types, occupies the central field and is surrounded by a beaded border. Depending on the die variety, crescents may appear in the surrounding field or be absent entirely. The flan is irregular and the relief is low, reflecting the declining production standards of the late Arsacid period in Elymais. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (100-150) - Rev/ eagle facing; four crescents - ND (100-150) - Rev/ eagle facing; no crescents - ND (100-150) - Rev/ Eagle, wings spread - |
| Additional information |
Elymais, the semi-independent kingdom occupying the region around Susa and the lower Zagros foothills, produced coins of steadily declining silver content throughout the Arsacid period — a process well advanced by the early second century. By this point the local Arsacid rulers, nominally vassals of the Parthian empire but functionally autonomous, were striking in billon so debased that many surviving examples are copper in all but name. The kingdom was eventually absorbed by Ardashir I during his consolidation campaigns in the 220s, ending the dynasty entirely.