© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Stater - Mithridates VI Eupator Pergamon 223 74 BC
223 (74 BC) year| Gold | 8.4 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Kings of Pontos |
|---|---|
| King | Mithridates VI (Μιθριδάτης Εὐπάτωρ) (120 BC - 63 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 223 (74 BC) |
| Calendar | Bosporan era |
| Value | Gold Stater (20) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.4 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#309712 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Stag to left grazing, inscriptions above and below; before head, a star on crescent above the year; on right, monograms; in exergue, the month; all within ivy wreath.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΜΙΘΡΑΔΑΤΟΥ
ΕΥΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ
ΓΚΣ
ΙΓ
Translation: King Mithridates VI Eupator (of noble father)
Comment
This type is not referenced by the main catalogs, although silver types are known and referenced.This type is dated of the year 223 BE (ΓΚΣ, 74BC) and either of the 12th month (IB, September) or the intercalary 13th month (ΙΓ, October).
These coins are dated according to the Bosporan Era, in use in the Bithynian, Pontic and Bosporan kingdoms. The months correspond to those in the Macedonian calendar. The months are only approximate as it was a lunar calendar with intercalary months added.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Mithridates VI Eupator, who was a king of Pontos, a region in modern-day Turkey, and was known for his military campaigns against the Roman Republic. The coin was minted in 74 BC, during his reign, and its gold content and weight of 8.4 grams make it a valuable and significant artifact from ancient times.