© vini_tomazoni
© vini_tomazoni
Æ17 120 BC
120 BC year| Bronze | 7 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | Sinope (Paphlagonia) |
|---|---|
| King | Mithridates VI (Μιθριδάτης Εὐπάτωρ) (120 BC - 63 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 120 BC |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 7 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#367761 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Tripod (Altar)
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΣINΩΠHΣ
Translation: Sinope
Interesting fact
The Æ17 coin from Sinope (Paphlagonia) is notable for its unique design, which features a stylized head of the goddess Aphrodite on one side and a dolphin on the other. The use of a dolphin as a symbol on coins was a common motif in ancient Greek coinage, as it represented the sea-faring culture and maritime trade that was prevalent in the region. The fact that this coin was made of bronze, a relatively inexpensive metal, suggests that it was intended for everyday use in commerce, rather than being a high-value coin reserved for the wealthy elite.
