King Gotarzes Necklace

The Parthian king, depicted with finely detailed hair and beard, is adorned in traditional regal attire. His diadem or rounded tiara, embellished with intricate ornamentation and a beaded border, reflects his royal status and authority.

Before the 3rd century B.C., the region that would become Parthia was a satrapy of the Seleucid Empire. This changed when Arsaces I, leader of the Parthian tribe, led a successful rebellion, establishing the Parthian Kingdom. The Parthians became renowned warriors, particularly noted for their exceptional skills with the bow and horse. Their cavalry was famous for executing the "Parthian shot," where riders turned backwards to shoot a composite bow while riding at full gallop. This manoeuvre required immense skill, leg strength, and equestrian mastery, especially as stirrups had not yet been invented. Despite multiple attempts by Rome to conquer the Parthian kingdom, they remained undefeated and experienced a prosperous golden age during the 2nd century A.D., as evidenced by the surviving ancient coinage.

The reverse design of the coin reflects Parthian military prowess, depicting a throned figure, presumably Arsaces I, holding a bow, with a Greek legend detailed below. Like the majority of Parthian art, architecture, and religious beliefs, this coin depicts a melting pot of various Persian, Hellenistic, and regional cultural styles.

• Coin Ø 18mm
• Necklace length 42cm

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Each ancient coin and artefact used in our jewellery has been restored and professionally stabilised to ensure it can be enjoyed for lifetimes. Patina, the natural toning and oxidation on silver, bronze, and copper coins, is not dirt; it is a protective layer formed over hundreds of years, adding to the coin’s unique history. Conservation efforts aim to stabilise and preserve these valuable patinas whenever possible. Silver naturally tones over time, developing a soft to deep grey with brighter highlights on raised surfaces. This toning is highly coveted, adding a touch of age and beauty to the coin’s details that only time can provide.

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