Vardanes I Parthian Silver Drachm (38–46 AD): Star & Crescent Obverse with Seated Archer Reverse

Vardanes I Parthian Drachm, obverse and reverse sides displayed

Introduction

The Parthian Empire, a powerful Iranian dynasty that ruled much of Western Asia for nearly five centuries, served as a critical bridge between Persian traditions and Hellenistic influences following Alexander the Great’s conquests. During its peak, Parthian kings projected their legitimacy and divine favor through intricate and symbolic coinage.

Vardanes I, who ruled briefly from 38 to 46 AD, is remembered for his conflict with Gotarzes II and for his ambition to restore order to the empire. His coinage, though relatively rare, demonstrates continuity with earlier Parthian styles, while adding distinctive artistic touches. This silver drachm is a testament to the dynastic symbolism, celestial iconography, and the ongoing veneration of Arsakes I, the empire’s founder.

Coin Details

  • Region: Parthian Empire
  • Ruler: Vardanes I
  • Reign: 38–46 AD
  • Denomination: Drachm (1)
  • Material: Silver
  • Weight: 3.51g
  • Diameter: 16.90mm
  • Die Axis: 12h
  • Inventory# PAR-VARD1-AR-DR-001

Obverse

Design: Bust left with long rectangular beard, nearly straight hair, visible earring, spiral torque, wearing double-banded diadem with double loop.

Symbols: Star above crescent in front of bust. Dotted border.

Vardanes I Parthian coin obverse close-up
Parthian coin reverse of Vardanes I with archer

Reverse

Design: Archer (Arsakes I) seated to the right on a throne, holding a bow.

Legend: A seven-line pseudo-Greek inscription that has been reduced to a sequence of meaningless characters—an indicator of the era’s artistic decline or regional mint variations.

Monogram: Below the bow (illegible in this specimen).

Transliterated Greek (standard form):
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩN ΑΡΣΑΚΟY EYEPΓETOY ΔΙΚΑΙΟY ΕΠIΦΑNOYΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ
(Translation: King of Kings, Arsaces, the Benefactor, the Just, the Illustrious, the Philhellene)

Historical Context

Vardanes I was one of the more dynamic Parthian rulers, though his reign was marred by internal strife. He famously clashed with his rival Gotarzes II for control of the empire. Vardanes attempted to reassert central power over rebellious regions, particularly in Seleucia and Babylonia, and may have even come into diplomatic or military contact with Rome, though records are sparse.

His coinage adheres closely to the dynastic formula pioneered by Mithradates I, maintaining the iconography of the seated archer (Arsakes I) and the use of celestial motifs like the star and crescent, which likely referenced divine favor or astrological legitimacy. The reverse legends, though heavily stylized, maintain the imperial epithets used for nearly every Parthian monarch since Mithradates II.

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