The Gold Coin of Yervand I – Satrap of Sophene and Mitanni

Above is the gold coin of Yervand I from the National Library of Paris. This coin is dated to 362 BC. It depicts Yervand I, the Satrap of Sophene and Mitanni from 401 BC to 344 BC.

Born in the 5th century BC, Yervand was a member of the Armenian Orontid (Yervanduni) dynasty. He was the father of Yervand II. Yervand I should not be confused with Armenian King Yervand I Sakavakyats who lived and reigned over Armenia in the 6th century BC.

According to Greek sources (Herodotus, Strabo, etc.), Yervand I became the satrap of Western and Eastern Armenia under Persia, including Sophene and Mitanni.

Yervand I received these satrapies after the battle of Cunaxa in 401 BC. In this battle, he supported the forces of Artaxerxes II against Cyrus the Younger, who tried to seize the throne from his elder brother. He married Rodoguna, daughter of Artaxerxes II and one of his concubines.