Lot 64: Parthian Kingdom, Orodes II (57-38 BC), AR Drachm, c.40 BC, Susa Mint

Parthian Kingdom, Orodes II (57-38 BC), AR Drachm, c.40 BC, Susa Mint
(No legend)
Short-bearded, diademed, bust left, wearing pellet-ended torque, star before and crescent behind, no wart visible on forehead, circular border of pellets
BAΣIΛEΩΣ / BAΣIΛEΩN | AP_ΣAKOY | EYEPΓETOY / ΔIKAIOY | EΠIΦANOYΣ / ΦIΛEΛΛHNOΣ
Beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak, seated right on throne, bow in right hand
ΠA monogram / tau-rho in right field
19mm x 20mm, 3.05g
Sellwood 47.22
Ex Midwest "Coins of Christianity" Collection

aEF/VF. Some minor deposits on reverse.

Consignor notes and comments:

Parthia was home to a large population of the Diaspora, including Samaritans. The customs, history and prophecies of the Samaritans were shared with the religious leaders in Parthia. The main religion of Parthia was Zoroastrianism and Zoroastrian priests were most likely the "Wise Men" of the nativity story. These "wise men" were aware of the prophesied suffering Messiah, as shown by the tau-rho monograms on their coins and the discovery of the Star of Bethlehem.