Description
Vologases III, Drachm, AR, reign 105-147 AD, minted in Ecbatana. Weight: 3.55 g; typical diameter: 19 mm. The obverse features a diademed and draped bust of Vologases III facing left, exhibiting a long beard and earring, epitomizing the traditional royal Parthian portraiture. The reverse illustrates an archer, identified as Arsakes I, seated to the right on a throne, holding a bow, with a monogram below the bow. The strike is well-centered, with fine detail preserved in the facial features and attire of the obverse, and a sharp depiction of the archer on the reverse. Numismatic reference: Sellwood 78.4.
Vologases III was a significant ruler of the Parthian Empire during a period marked by frequent conflicts and power struggles within and outside the kingdom. His coinage reflects the traditional imagery of Parthian kingship and symbolizes the enduring legacy of Parthian authority. Ecbatana, being a key cultural and economic hub in ancient Persia, was an essential mint, further emphasizing the strategic importance of Vologases III’s reign during an era when Parthian influence competed with Roman expansion.