The Reign of Vologases IV:
Unity Through Coinage
The Parthian King Vologases IV reigned from AD 147 to 191, ascending to the throne during a period of fragmentation and dynastic rivalry. By consolidating power and reasserting control over major mints like Ekbatana, he played a central role in restoring unity and imperial prestige within the Arsacid dynasty.
This coin, a silver drachm from Ekbatana (modern-day Hamadan), is a testament to his consolidation of authority and reinforcement of dynastic tradition. It features one of the most enduring motifs of Parthian coinage: the seated archer, symbolizing the legitimacy and lineage of Arsakes I.
Who Was Vologases IV?
A Restorer of Parthian Strength
Vologases IV belonged to a period when Rome and Parthia were locked in persistent political and military competition. His reign saw relative peace punctuated by campaigns aimed at repelling Roman advances and controlling key trade routes through Mesopotamia and Iran.
He issued abundant silver coinage to reinforce his image across the empire, especially from regional strongholds like Ekbatana. These coins often revived ancestral imagery to reaffirm his rightful claim and the unity of Parthian royal power.
Royal Imagery & Design: A Dialogue with the Past
Obverse:
The king’s diademed bust facing left, wearing a tall tiara with elaborate ribbon loops and a row of dots representing pearls. The tiara is a mark of divine kingship and continuity with past Arsacid rulers.
Reverse:
The legendary Arsakes I, founder of the Parthian Empire, seated on a throne holding a bow — the hallmark of Parthian martial identity. A monogram beneath the bow indicates the mint authority (Sellwood 84.131). Surrounding inscriptions are in Parthian script, announcing the king’s name and titles.
This dual-image design connects the reigning monarch to the heroic past, reinforcing both dynastic legitimacy and political continuity.
Numismatic Details
- Ruler: Vologases IV
- Dynasty: Arsacid (Parthian Empire)
- Date: Circa AD 147–191
- Denomination: Silver Drachm (AR)
- Obverse: Diademed bust left, wearing tiara with ribbon
- Reverse: Arsakes I seated right on throne, holding bow; monogram below bow
- Reference: Sellwood 84.131
- Metal: Silver
- Weight: ~3.8–4.0 grams (typical for period)
- Diameter: ~20–22 mm
- Reference: Sellwood 84.131; cf. Shore 434
Own a Piece of Parthian Legacy – Contact TerraNumis
At TerraNumis, we specialize in coins that tell real stories — of empires, dynasties, and legendary rulers. This silver drachm of Vologases IV is a rare opportunity to own a coin that directly links to the identity of the Parthian state and its powerful royal symbolism.
Interested in acquiring this piece or learning more about Parthian silver coinage?
Contact us today at info@terranumis.com
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