Tetradrachm - Kamnaskires V Reverse bust to right

Kamnaskires V ruled Elymais — a semi-independent kingdom wedged between Parthia and the Persian Gulf coast — during a period of chronic dynastic instability in which the region changed hands repeatedly between local pretenders and Parthian overlords. His coinage is notable for the progressive degradation of Greek artistic conventions into increasingly schematic, almost abstract forms, a process well advanced by this issue. The reverse bust, an unusual compositional choice, likely reflects a local workshop tradition diverging sharply from mainstream Parthian mint practice.