Watch List notes:

KINGS OF PARTHIA. Meherdates, Usurper, 49/50. Drachm (Silver, 22 mm, 3.75 g, 12 h), Ekbatana. Bust of Meherdates facing, wearing tiara, stars flanking. Rev. Arsakes I seated right, holding bow with both hands; below bow, monogram. Sellwood 67.1 ('Vonones II'). Shore 368 ('Vonones II'). Sunrise 418. Rare. A nicely toned example. Very fine.


Meherdates was a Parthian prince that usurped the Parthian throne with Roman support. He was, however, quickly defeated by Gotarzes II, the legitimate king, who left him alive but cut his ears off.