Characene, Apodacus AR Tetradrachm (124-103 BC) VF NGC 5/2

• Kingdom of Characene, Apodacus AR Tetradrachm (124-103 BC). Silver, approximately 15.76 grams.
• NGC encapsulation protects the Very Fine (VF) condition of the coin.
• Strike: 5/5. Surface: 2/5.
• Edge chip notation.
• Historically significant as a rare coin from the trade-rich region of Charax Spasinu.
• Obverse: Diademed bust of Apodacus right.
• Reverse: Heracles (Hercules) is shown seated left on a rock or anvil-shaped seat, nude, resting his left arm on the seat and holding a club in his right hand, which rests on his right knee.

Secure this extraordinary artifact today and own a piece of ancient commerce and power.

The Kingdom of Characene AR Tetradrachm of Apodacus (124-103 BC) is a rare silver coin from the vital trading hub of Charax Spasinu, a kingdom situated at the crossroads of Mesopotamian, Parthian, and Hellenistic cultures. Apodacus, one of Characene’s most prominent rulers, issued coinage that reflects both local autonomy and the influence of the powerful Parthian Empire.

The obverse features a diademed bust of Apodacus, emphasizing his royal authority, while the reverse typically displays Greek-style inscriptions and dynastic imagery, illustrating the region’s blend of Eastern and Hellenistic traditions. This coin serves as a testament to Characene’s role as a commercial powerhouse, controlling trade routes between the Persian Gulf and the broader Hellenistic world.

This tetradrachm retains strong details, making it a significant piece for collectors of ancient Middle Eastern and Parthian coinage. Rarely seen on the market, this coin offers a unique glimpse into the forgotten history of a crucial trading kingdom.