c. 121-91 BC Parthian Kingdom Mithradates II Silver Drachm NGC Choice About Uncirculated

Mithradates II, often regarded as the greatest ruler of the Parthian Empire, reigned from approximately 121 to 91 BC during a period of remarkable territorial expansion and diplomatic achievement. Under his leadership, Parthia extended its dominion across Mesopotamia and Armenia while establishing the first formal contacts with both Rome and Han Dynasty China, effectively positioning the empire at the crossroads of the ancient world. This silver drachm, certified by NGC as Choice About Uncirculated, represents the coinage of a sovereign who bore the title "King of Kings" — a designation reflected in the Greek legends carried on his currency.

The obverse presents a left-facing diademed and draped bust of Mithradates II, featuring a long pointed beard and detailed hair rendered in tight curls beneath a royal diadem. The portrait conveys a sense of regal authority, with the torque visible at the neck and the drapery folds well defined. The reverse depicts the seated archer — a representation of Arsaces I, the dynastic founder — enthroned to the right and holding a bow outward, framed by the Greek inscription ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ("Of the Great King of Kings Arsaces the Illustrious"). The seated archer motif served as a unifying reverse type across Parthian royal coinage for centuries.

Graded Choice About Uncirculated by NGC Ancients, this drachm exhibits strong device definition on both sides with only minimal evidence of handling on the highest points of the portrait. The surfaces carry an appealing even tone consistent with aged silver, and the legends remain well preserved around both faces. Parthian drachms of Mithradates II are widely collected as representative issues of one of antiquity's most powerful eastern empires, and examples at this grade level offer collectors strong detail retention alongside genuine historical presence. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.