C 593 1 
LXXXIX. A Difertation upon a Parthian 
Coin, with CharaSlers on the Reverfe re- 
fembling thofe of the Palmyrenes. In a 
Letter from the Rev. John Swinton, M. A. 
of Chrift-Church, Oxon. F. R . S. to the 
Rev. Thomas Birch, D. D. Secret . R. S. 
Reverend Sir, 
Read April 8, "T" Met fome years fince with a final! 
*756- brafs medal, in but indifferent con- 
fervation j which I have lately difcovered, by com- 
paring it with others, to be a Parthian coin. This 
medal, as I apprehend, exhibits the head of Volo- 
gefes III. adorned with a beard and a tiara, after the 
Parthian manner, together with a Beta behind it, 
that feems to point out to us the place in which it 
was ftruck. The reverfe prefents to our view a 
ftrange fort of inftrument, or machine, which per- 
haps may be imagined to reprefent a key, belides 
fome traces of characters in a great meafure defaced, 
and, if I am not vaflly miftaken, four intire Palmy- 
rene letters. As I remember not to have feen any of 
the Palmyrene elements hitherto on antient coins, I 
hope I fhall be indulged the liberty of fubmitting a 
few curfory remarks upon that now before me, 
which may be efteemed a real curiofity, to the confi- 
deration of our moft learned and illuftrious Society. 
Nor fhall I make any other apology for thefe re- 
marks, however jejune they may appear, than that 
here hinted at* efpecially, as the affinity between 
the 
