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Chalkous - Phraates V and Musa
| Issuer | Parthian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 2 BC - 4 AD |
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| Currency | Drachm (247 BC-224 AD) |
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| Reverse description | Bust of Queen Musa facing left, depicted wearing a tiara, a diadem, and a beaded necklace adorned with a central ornament. The portrait is rendered in the Hellenistic-influenced Parthian artistic tradition, with carefully delineated royal regalia emphasizing her status as co-ruler. The field surrounding the effigy is largely plain, consistent with the small module of this bronze denomination. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Phraates V came to power through one of the more disturbing succession arrangements in Parthian history: his mother Musa, originally a Roman slave-girl gifted to Phraates IV by Augustus, orchestrated the murder of her own husband to place her son on the throne — and then married him. The joint reign depicted on this issue was recognized in Rome with considerable unease, though Augustus maintained diplomatic relations throughout. Phraates V was eventually deposed by Parthian nobles who found the arrangement intolerable, likely around 4 AD.