Tigranes II Silver (Artaxiad Armenia)

Coin

-

MGK Collection

Name/Title

Tigranes II Silver (Artaxiad Armenia)

Description

The Tigranes II tetradrachm coin, minted in Armenia around 80–68 BCE during Tigranes II the Great’s reign, is made of silver, weighing about 15.95 grams and measuring 27 mm in diameter. The obverse features Tigranes with a tiara adorned by a star and two eagles, likely symbolizing the 87 BCE passage of Halley’s Comet. On the reverse, the goddess Tyche holds a palm branch, with a river god representing the Araxes River at her feet. These coins were primarily minted in Antioch, reflecting Hellenistic influences and are highly collectible, with a Numista Rarity Index of 93. Though, in more recent times, a large hoard of these coins were found which brought the price down significantly.

Category

Coins and Banknotes

Mintage

Place of Origin

* Untyped Place of Origin

Antioch

Manufacture Method

Struck

Coin Details

Obverse

Description

Bust of Tigranes II right, draped, wearing tiara with five peaks sometimes with beads, decorated with a star between two eagles and tied with a diadem. Bead and reel border.

Reverse

Description

Tyche of Artaxata holding a palm branch, seated right on an elbow-shaped promontory; at her feet on right, the river god Araxes. Primary control-mark on rock at bottom left, secondary control-mark in right field. Wreath border.

Transcription

BAΣIΛEΩΣ - TIΓPANOY

Translation

King Tigran

Denomination

Tetradrachm

Coin Grade

Grade

45 - Choice Extremely Fine

Grader

Numismatic Guaranty Company

Dimensions

Diameter

27 mm

Composition

Material

Silver

Provenance

Provenance Detail

Ebay purchase