Mithradates IV 57 – 55 BC. Silver Drachms

Mithradates IV of Parthia ruled during a difficult phase of Parthian history in the late 1st century BCE, when internal dynastic confl ict weakened central authority. He reigned when the empire was recovering from external pressures and internal fragmentation following earlier expansions. He appears to have been involved in a struggle for the throne, possibly competing with or succeeding other Arsacid claimants during a period of instability after the death of Phraates III of Parthia. The Parthian Empire at this time faced threats both from nomadic groups in the east and from lingering Seleucid infl uence in the west. Maintaining control over such a vast and diverse territory would have required constant military and political eff ort. Mithradates IV’s authority may not have extended uniformly across the empire, suggesting that regional governors and rival claimants held significant power. His reign likely ended as part of another succession struggle, possibly leading to the rise of Mithradates II of Parthia, who later restored stability and strengthened Parthian dominance. I feel that Parthian coins are very underappreciated, we have 7 of these drachms coming in “Extremely Fine” grade, get one while you can! PLEASE NOTE: PHOTOGRAPHY IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COIN SUPPLIED