Parthian coinage

Parthian coinage was produced within the domains of the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD).

The coins struck by the Parthians were mainly made of silver,[3] with the main currencies being the drachm and tetradrachm.

[4] The tetradrachm, which generally weighed around 16 g, was only minted in Seleucia, first conquered by the Parthians in 141 BC.

[5] Design-wise, Parthian coinage was based on Seleucid and Achaemenid satrapal coinage.

[6]

Tetradrachm of the Parthian king Vologases I , struck at Seleucia . On the obverse is a portrait of the king wearing a trouser-suit , diadem and beard. The reverse depicts an investiture scene, where the king is receiving a scepter by the Greek goddess Tyche . In the Parthian era, Iranians used Hellenistic iconography to portray their divine figures, [ 1 ] thus the investiture scene can be associated with the Avestan khvarenah , i.e. kingly glory. [ 2 ]