I have always wondered about this coin....as my knowledge and skill regarding
Parthians sharpens, the more suspect this coin looks. I purchased this a couple of years ago. The coin was listed as an S51.31
drachm of Phraates IV minted at the Court
mint at Susa.....indeed, it bears this
mintmark....however, in looking at the 52.31 and 52.30 examples in both
Schatz gallery, as well as examples on
Parthia.com, i notice that the
mintmark is a lot larger than those coins, and the
reverse legend (by what I can tell) looks nothing like the documented examples i have seen. Also, the coin is either dirty, or has some corrosion. I do not detect any seams or anything of the like that would suggest casting. Also, the
weight is 3.50 gm...which is lighter than other comparable coins of the
type. My immediate thought is a
contemporary fouree`....however i could be wrong. If anyone has imput, please let me know.