Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying Bust of King Volagases IV
192-193
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diam.: 2.5 cm (1 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
141477
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin portrays King Volagases IV, his forehead bound in a type of headband called a fillet. Above this, his hair is depicted as rows of dots. On the back (reverse) the goddess Tyche presents a wreath to the king, who is seated on a high backed throne
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silver tetradrachm struck around 192-193 CE, features the bust of King Volagases, ruler of the Parthian—a powerful Iranian dynasty that bridged Hellenistic traditions and Persian heritage. Measuring just 2.5 cm in diameter, this coin was both currency and propaganda, circulating across a vast realm from Mesopotamia to Central Asia. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's of Arts of Greece,, and Byzantium, it exemplifies how ancient rulers used portraiture to project authority and divine kingship. Parthian coins like this tetradrachm (a four-drachma piece) drew from Seleucid Greek precedents, blending realistic profile portraits with regal diadems and intricate detailing achieved through finely engraved dies. Volagases IV's reign saw intense Roman-Parthian conflicts, including wars under emperors like Lucius Verus, making such coins symbols of resilience amid empire-shaping struggles. Silver's purity ensured economic trust, while the bust's idealized features conveyed stability and legitimacy. As a snapshot of late ancient numismatics, this tetradrachm reveals the artistry of anonymous mint masters, whose techniques influenced Byzantine and Sasanian successors. Visitors can marvel at how a tiny disk encapsulated a king's legacy and a civilization's cultural crossroads.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...