Drachm (Coin) Portraying King Mithridates II the Great of Parthia c. 123 - 188

This Drachm coin portraying King Mithridates II the Great of Parthia, was anonymously made out of silver. Minted during his reign, it offers a rare glimpse into the visual culture and political landscape of the Parthian Empire. As an object of currency this coin embodies notions of power, identity, and cultural exchange in the ancient world. Parthia, strategically located along the Silk Road, was a melting pot of cultures. On one side of the coin we see Mithridates, with distinct Hellenistic influences in the realistic, idealized depiction of the king. While the reverse shows a figure seated on a throne, holding a bow, a symbol of Parthian military prowess. What does it mean to have your face on money? Mithridates' likeness served as a powerful tool for projecting his authority, not only within his kingdom, but also in the broader world. By featuring his own image, he created a lasting symbol of Parthian identity that circulated far beyond its borders.