© David E. Anderson
© David E. Anderson
Drachm - Ariarathes IX Eusebes Philopator 100 BC - 87 BC
| Silver (most likely AgCu) | 4.03 g | 17.3 mm |
| Issuer | Kings of Cappadokia |
|---|---|
| King | Ariarathes IX (100 BC - 85 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 100 BC - 87 BC |
| Value | 1 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver (most likely AgCu) |
| Weight | 4.03 g |
| Diameter | 17.3 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular, 17.6 x 17.1 millimeters) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#239363 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
BAΣIΛEΩΣ APIAPAΘOY EYΣEBOYΣ, Athena Nikephoros standing left, holds Nike, spear and shield, monogram inner left, monogram left, T right, date in exergue
Script: Greek
Lettering: BAΣIΛEΩΣ APIAPAΘOY EYΣEBOYΣ
Comment
Ariarathes IX was one of the many sons of Mithradates VI, kind of Pontos, who used his son as a puppet ruler for Cappadocia. Ariarthes was only eight years of age when his father assigned him to a task that will eventually claim his life. According to O. Mørkholm (in his articles in Essays Robinson and QT 1975), the obverses on the last two years of Ariarathes' mint A coinage carried a portrait of the Pontic king rather than his son. The purpose of the change is uncertain, but it may have been done in relation to a revolt of Cappadocian nationalists. These nationalists recalled the young Ariarathes VIII and promoted him as their king, in opposition to Mithradates VI and his puppet king. This revolt was quickly suppressed, and Mørkholm argued that in the aftermath Mithradates had his portrait placed upon the coinage as a more overt pronouncement of his rule over the Cappadocians via his son. Sources: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?zpg=24904 & https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=71784.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Greek and Persian influences in its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts a bearded king facing right, wearing a royal diadem and a Persian-style crown, while the reverse side shows a seated Apollo holding a lyre and a scepter, surrounded by Greek inscriptions. This fusion of design elements reflects the cultural exchange and syncretism that occurred during the Hellenistic period, where Greek and Persian cultures blended together to create a new artistic and cultural identity.
