Lot 1477

Description

Parthia, Kingdom of, Phraataces and Musa, (2 B.C. - 4 A.D.), silver drachm, (3.322 grams), Ecbatana mint, obv. head to left with pointed beard, Nike each side of bust, rev. Queen Musa bust to left, palm branch before, trace of legend in square around "Goddess, Urania Musa, Queen", (cf. S.5763, Sellwood 58.9, Shore 324). Surface marks, minor encrustation, otherwise very fine and very rare type.

This issue was struck to commemorate the marriage of Queen Musa, the slave girl, to her son Phraataces. Phraataces succeeded to the throne after he had murdered his father and her husband. A most important issue which is rarely offered at auction, and to the cataloguer's knowledge this is the only coin for this variety.