FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Parthian and Other Eastern Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: quadrans on December 02, 2019, 02:59:05 pm
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Parthia, Artabanos II. or Gotrazes II. ?
I attributed as an Artabanos II. but I'm not sure some of you maybe help me.
Parthia, Artabanos II. (10-38 A.D.), AR-Drachm, Sellwood 63.6., Archer right on throne, #1
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-159042
Parthia, Artabanos II. (10-38 A.D.), AR-Drachm, Sellwood 63.6., Archer right on throne, #1
avers: Bare-headed, left, w/4-strand diadem, 2 loops, and 3 ribbons, medium-long, almost straight hair, mustache, medium-long square-cut beard, earring, 3-turn necklace, dotted border 9 - 15h.
reverse: Archer, right, on the throne, w/bow in the vise-like outstretched hand, below bow monogram, the 7-line Greek legend: BΛCIΛEΩC BΛCIΛEΩN ΛPCΛKOV EVEPΓETOV ΔIXAIOV EΠIΦΛNOYC ΦIΛEΛΛHNOC.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,2-20,0mm, weight: 3,73g, axes: 0h,
mint: Ecbatana, date: 10-38 A.D., ref: Sellwood 63.6., Shore_341, Sunrise 412_(Artabanos IV.),
(https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/31252/normal_Artabanos_II_%2C_%2810_-_38_AD%29%2C_AR-Drachm%2C_Sellwood_63_6%2C_Shore_341%2C_Sunrise_412_%28Artabanos_IV%29%2C_Ekbatana%2C_Q-001%2C_0h%2C_18%2C2-20mm%2C_3%2C73g-s.jpg)
Regards
Q.
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Hi quadrans,
I would strongly argue for Artabanos II., although the difference is often very hard to tell. Gotarzes II. is supposed to have straighter hair than Artabanos and also a small horizontal line on his forehead which is often not easy to make out. If you look hard you can see the line on this image:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-124481.
The difficulty with your picture is that it has the reflection of the photographer's downlight precisely in the area where a horizontal mark could be. Incidentally this mark is believed to be a variation of the royal wart that may Parthian portraits display from Phraates IV. (ca. 38 - 2 BC) onward.
But my money is on Artabanos II.
Regards,
Schatz
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Hi, Schatz,
Thank you again for your valuable help. +++
I'm starting to notice the differences... :) ;)
According to them, it was a good decision to make Artabanos II. +++
Best regards
Joe/Q.
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Hi Quadrans, hi Schatz,
http://www.parthika.fr/Identifications.html + Google Trad if necessary
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Dear Alwin,
Thank you very much this info. +++
Interesting comparison beetween some ruler.
Regards
Joe/Q.
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Alwin and quadrans,
the pictures on Alwin's website are so much better than mine, and one can see the difference clearly. Ideally, of course, all coins would be so well defined, but sometimes one simply has to guess. With other similar coins the reverse legend will give you a clue but in the case of Artabanos II. and Gotarzes II they are identical unless you happen to have very rare Gotarzes II drachm with the name spelled out on the reverse:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-124481.
Best wishes for the holiday season, and, Alwin, I hope that dreadful anniversary that is coming up for you will not spoil your Christmas.
Schatz