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This striking piece is a modern reissue inspired by ancient Hellenistic numismatic art, specifically echoing the iconography of the Parthian Empire under Mithradates I (circa 171–138 BCE). On the reverse, the coin presents a Greek inscription encircling a well-rendered image of a Bactrian camel, a symbol closely associated with trade and the Silk Road, underscoring the Parthian Empire's strategic role as a crossroads between East and West. The inscription, rendered in Hellenistic Greek, refers to “BASILEŌS MITHRADATOU EUERGETOU” (“of King Mithradates the Benefactor”), reflecting the monarch’s role not only as a conqueror but as a patron of culture and commerce. Floral and fruit motifs around the border allude to abundance and fertility—frequent themes in ancient coinage symbolizing prosperity.
The obverse showcases a finely detailed Hellenistic portrait of a male figure in profile, likely representing a deity or possibly Mithradates I himself, portrayed in idealized Greco-Macedonian style with flowing hair reminiscent of Alexander the Great. This stylistic choice illustrates how Parthian kings adopted and adapted Hellenistic royal imagery to legitimize their rule and project power. The blend of Eastern symbolism with Greek artistic norms serves as a reminder of the complex cultural syncretism that defined the ancient Near East following the conquests of Alexander and the fragmentation of his empire. While not an original antiquity, this piece captures the essence of that era and offers collectors a tangible link to one of history’s most fascinating imperial legacies.
278,00 Kč