King of Parthia (Persia) Sinatruces, c. 75 – 69 BC, Parthian Kingdom, AE Tetradrachms, Composition: Possibly Bronze (Exact Composition Unkown) Weight: 2.93 grm, Diameter: 19.95 mm, Mint: Rhagae

Obverse: ‘bearded bust left wearing tiara (T34i) decorated on side with fleur de lys; pellets on crest and anchor symbol erased from die; circular border of pellets’

Reverse: ‘beardless archer wearing bashlyk and cloak seated right on throne, holding bow in right hand; empty cloak sleeve pellet ended and reaching well below seat; no border; six-line Greek inscription = ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ’

Sinatruces (c. 75–69 BC), King of Parthia

Sinatruces, a member of the Arsacid dynasty, ruled the Parthian Empire during a period of internal fragmentation and dynastic rivalry. Likely restored to the throne with help from nomadic tribes such as the Saka or Dahae, he is believed to have returned from exile to reclaim his royal lineage. Despite his advanced age, Sinatruces managed to bring temporary stability to the kingdom and laid the foundation for his son Phraates III’s succession. His reign marked a transitional phase between earlier chaotic rule and renewed central authority in Parthia.

His coinage reflects a blend of traditional Iranian symbolism and lingering Hellenistic influences. This bronze AE Tetradrachm, minted in Rhagae, features his bearded bust with a decorated tiara on the obverse and a seated archer with a six-line Greek legend on the reverse. The use of Greek inscriptions alongside Parthian motifs highlights the cultural duality of the empire during his reign.

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