Parthian coins

Introduction

At the time of the Parthian uprising in 238 B.C from the Seleucids, the currency circulating in northern Iran was similar to that of the rest of the Seleucid empire. However, the mints of Bactra and Hecatompylos were already tending to cater for a preference for the drachm in their area, whereas at Ecbatana this denomination was scarcely issued between the reigns of Antiochus I and III, the emphasis being on the tetradrachm instead. The weight standard employed derived from the Attic system so that in the 3rd century B.C. the drachm weighed about 4 grammes. The regular obverse for this Seleucid coinage was the royal head, bound with the diadem and facing right, while a common reverse motif depicted Apollo seated left on the omphalos and holding a bow.