Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXV 11-12 Jan 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
SELEUKID EMPIRE. Andragoras. Usurper king of Parthia, circa 245-239/8 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.86 g, 6h). Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing single-pendant earring and linear necklace; monogram to left / Athena standing left, holding owl in extended right hand and resting arm on shield set on ground below to right; transverse spear in background, ANΔPAΓOPOY to right. SC –; Taylor, Birds, Series 6.2, 223 var. (unlisted dies); MIG Type 20; HGC 9, –; BMC Arabia p. 193, 4. In NGC encapsulation 6155758-001, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Very rare, and among the finest.
From the Melinda Collection.
The identification of Andragoras has been a matter of debate. Justin mentions two people by that name: (1) a noble Persian appointed by Alexander the Great as governor of Parthia (xii.4.12), and (2) a Seleukid governor of Parthia about the middle of the 3rd century who was defeated by Arsakes (xli.4.7). Both extremely rare gold staters and scarce silver tetradrachms are known in his name, neither of which bear the royal title Basileos. What literary evidence exists derives from the later Greco-Roman historians of Alexander (Arrian and Curtius), as well as the first century AD historian, Pompeius Trogus (known later through Justin). One possible contemporary piece of evidence – a Greek inscription from Gurgan – mentions Andragoras as a high official under Antiochos I (see J. Wolski, "Andragoras était-il Iranien ou Grec?" Studia Iranica 4 [1975], pp. 166-69). The most recent reading of the evidence suggests that both gold and silver coins were issued by the Seleukid Satrap Andragoras. During his brief rule, Andragoras may have formed a diplomatic alliance with the breakaway Baktrians under Diodotos I, and issued his gold and silver coinage. The proximity to Baktria is likely why his coins are often found comingled with those of early Baktrian rulers such as Sophytes. In any event, his period of authority did not last long: Andragoras's territory was overrun from the north by the nomadic Parni (who became the Parthians), and he was defeated and killed by Arsakes I, who thereafter founded the Arsakid dynasty of the now independent kingdom of Parthia.
From the Melinda Collection.
The identification of Andragoras has been a matter of debate. Justin mentions two people by that name: (1) a noble Persian appointed by Alexander the Great as governor of Parthia (xii.4.12), and (2) a Seleukid governor of Parthia about the middle of the 3rd century who was defeated by Arsakes (xli.4.7). Both extremely rare gold staters and scarce silver tetradrachms are known in his name, neither of which bear the royal title Basileos. What literary evidence exists derives from the later Greco-Roman historians of Alexander (Arrian and Curtius), as well as the first century AD historian, Pompeius Trogus (known later through Justin). One possible contemporary piece of evidence – a Greek inscription from Gurgan – mentions Andragoras as a high official under Antiochos I (see J. Wolski, "Andragoras était-il Iranien ou Grec?" Studia Iranica 4 [1975], pp. 166-69). The most recent reading of the evidence suggests that both gold and silver coins were issued by the Seleukid Satrap Andragoras. During his brief rule, Andragoras may have formed a diplomatic alliance with the breakaway Baktrians under Diodotos I, and issued his gold and silver coinage. The proximity to Baktria is likely why his coins are often found comingled with those of early Baktrian rulers such as Sophytes. In any event, his period of authority did not last long: Andragoras's territory was overrun from the north by the nomadic Parni (who became the Parthians), and he was defeated and killed by Arsakes I, who thereafter founded the Arsakid dynasty of the now independent kingdom of Parthia.