circa 246-238 BCE
AR Drachm. Hekatompylos(?) 3.33g, 14mm, 6h.
Local standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Eagle standing to left, head to right; grape cluster on vine with leaf above.
Roma XIV, 332; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner -; HGC 12, 8
Ex Neil Collection
Sadly, Andragoras is one of the many rulers whose coinage was more widespread than his history. This particular coin was likely minted by him. Though it lacks the name “of Andragoras”, it contains the same mint mark as those coins that do.
Andragoras may have been the founder of Parthia, though certainly with an asterisk. Initially a satrap of the Seleukid Empire, he revolted in 245 BCE from Seleukos II Kallinikos. However, his independence didn’t last long. Soon afterwards, his new kingdom was invaded by Arsakes I, who conquered his territory bit by bit and eventually killed him.
245 BCE
Andragoras declares his independence from the Seleukid King Seleukos II.
238 BCE
The Parni under the command of Arsakes I invade Parthia and kill Andragoras.