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Willem Knapen

Parthian Kings. Mithradates I (c. 165–132 BC). Silver Drachm (19 mm, 4.29 g, 12h), Hekatompylos mint.
Obverse: Diademed and draped bust of Mithradates I facing left.
Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ("Of the Great King Arsakes"). Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on a omphalos, holding a bow in his outstretched hand.
References: Sellwood 11.1; Shore 24; Sunrise 265–266.

Historical Context:
Mithradates I is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and transformative rulers of the Parthian Empire. During his reign (c. 165–132 BC), he dramatically expanded Parthian control, seizing key territories from the weakening Seleucid Empire, including Media, Babylonia, and parts of Persia. His assumption of the title “Great King” (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ) marked a new phase of Parthian imperial ideology.
This coin was struck at Hekatompylos, one of the earliest and most important cities of the Parthian Empire. Located in northeastern Iran, near modern Damghan in the Semnan province, Hekatompylos—literally meaning “City of a Hundred Gates”—was originally a major Hellenistic settlement before becoming a royal capital under the Arsacid dynasty. Its strategic position along the Silk Road made it a vital hub for trade, administration, and military logistics in the early Parthian state.
The reverse features the Parthian dynastic symbol: the seated archer, representing Arsakes I, founder of the Arsacid dynasty. Shown seated on an omphalos (a symbolic representation of the center of the world), the image reinforces the legitimacy and enduring power of the Parthian kingship.



AR - Ungraded

Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates I (c. 165–132 BC). AR Drachm Hekatompylos mint. Reverse: Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on a omphalos, holding a bow in his  (No Reserve Price)

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Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates I (c. 165–132 BC). AR Drachm Hekatompylos mint. Reverse: Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on a omphalos, holding a bow in his (No Reserve Price)

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Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates I (c. 165–132 BC). AR Drachm Hekatompylos mint. Reverse: Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on a omphalos, holding a bow in his (No Reserve Price)

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