Δυναστεία της Παρθίας. Vologases VI (c. A.D. 208 - 226). Drachm Ecbatana mint. Reverse: enthroned archer facing right, holding a bow (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Parthian Kings, Vologases VI (c. A.D. 208 - 226) AR Drachm. Ecbatana mint.
This silver drachm of Vologases VI was minted at Ecbatana, likely between AD 207/8 and 211/12, during a period of internal conflict within the Parthian Empire. The obverse displays Vologases VI with a bust facing left, featuring a long, pointed beard. He is adorned with a single-banded diadem that has a double loop and two pendent ends, as well as a tiara with earflaps. The tiara is decorated with a row of pearls arranged around the crest and a vertical line of pearls on the side. Behind his head are two Aramaic letters, "wl," an abbreviation for Wlg šy (Vologases), which identify the king.
The reverse shows an enthroned archer facing right, holding a bow, with a monogram below the bow. The inscription in Aramaic reads "Wlg šy MLK’," translating to "King Vologases," followed by a stylized and largely blundered Greek inscription in four lines. Dark patina. Reference: Sellwood 88.18; Shore 456.
Weight: 3.61 grams
Diameter: 20 mm

The abbreviation "wl" on the obverse was initially thought to be a marker of rivalry between Vologases VI and his brother, Artabanus VI. However, recent findings indicate the existence of a previously unknown Parthian king, possibly also named Vologases, who ruled briefly in Iran before Artabanus VI's revolt in AD 211/12. This discovery suggests that this prince contested the throne after the death of Vologases V around AD 207. Early issues of Vologases VI’s drachms, like this one, are now understood to have been minted during this tumultuous period of succession dispute within the Parthian royal family.