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Obol - Oxathres I King left of altar
| Issuer | Kingdom of Persis (Persian Empires) |
|---|---|
| Year | 50-100 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Obol (⅙) |
| 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 |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Diademed and bearded bust of the king (Oxathres I) facing left, rendered in the characteristic Persis style with a prominent hooked nose and curled beard. The royal diadem is clearly visible above the forehead, with hair arranged in stylized locks behind. The portrait fills the flan, with the truncation of the bust visible at the lower edge. The engraving displays the bold, somewhat schematic artistry typical of the late Persis dynastic series. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | (Translation: King Vahshir, Son of King Darius) |
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| Additional information |
Oxathres I ruled Persis as a vassal kingdom under Parthian overlordship, one of a succession of local dynasts who maintained Persian dynastic traditions long after the Achaemenid collapse. The kingdom produced its own coinage continuously for roughly three centuries in this period, a remarkable assertion of regional identity under foreign suzerainty. These fractional silver pieces circulated locally and were likely used in temple economies as much as in trade — the altar type has strong priestly associations in Persid coinage.
At 0.58g, the obol sits at the smallest practical denomination the Persis mints produced.