Rare AE tetradrachm, unknown early Arsacid King, c.50/80 AD, Elymais Kindgom

Bust left, with long beard, wearing diademed tiara, crescent with a star inside to the right, anchor with a single crossbar / Completely degenerate small bust surrounded by a Greek legend. 26mm, 15.33 grams. Seleucia on the Hedyphon mint (?). Van't Haaf #10.4-1-1.

The identity of this King is unknown, as none of his coins show a legible inscription. He probably immediately predated the Kamnaskirid dynasty. 

Elymais or Elamais (Graecized form of the more ancient name, Elam) were a people who were subject to Arsacid control from 247 BC to 221 AD, and was the name of the region they inhabited (roughly corresponding to the region named Susiana). It was reportedly these people were great archers and natives of Susa, which lies to the east of Elymais territory. Most of the Elymais were probably descendants of the ancient Elamites. Very little is known about their history, and nothing at all is known of their language, even though "Elamite" was still used by the Achaemenid Empire 250 years before the Elymais came into existence. The kingdom of Elymais survived until its extinction by Sassanid invasion in the third century AD.

From an old US collection, with the original collection ticket.

SKU x343-56126