Catalog
| Issuer | Kings of Pontos |
|---|---|
| Year | 105 BC - 90 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Chalkos |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.5 g |
| Diameter | 13 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HGC 7#206, SNG BM Black Sea#1021var |
| Obverse description | Helmets of twin brothers Dioskuri (Kastor and Polydeuces) with 6 -pointed stars above each. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Greek lettering from left and right of thyrsos. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
ΔI–OΣ KOY–ΡIA Δ–OΣ (Translation: Dioskuria) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (105 BC - 90 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3484276530 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Chalkos, issued by the Kings of Pontos between 105 BC and 90 BC, dates to the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator, a formidable Hellenistic ruler. This period marked his consolidation of power and expansion across the Black Sea region, preceding his epic conflicts with Rome. Such small denomination bronze coinage was vital for facilitating daily commerce and economic stability within his burgeoning empire, underscoring his administrative control.
Artistry: While specific engravers for these utilitarian bronze issues are anonymous, the coin's design adheres to prevailing Hellenistic artistic traditions. Despite its modest 13mm size, the imagery—likely a royal portrait or deity on the obverse and a Pontic emblem on the reverse—would have been rendered with a characteristic blend of Greek naturalism and royal propaganda. The stylistic approach aimed to convey Mithridates VI's majesty and divine favor, reinforcing his legitimacy even on coinage for everyday transactions.
Technical/Grading: As a bronze chalkos weighing 1.5 grams, this coin typically exhibits characteristics common to small, high-volume issues. Strike quality often varies, with off-center strikes and areas of weakness frequently observed, especially on finer details. High points susceptible to wear include hair, facial features, or raised symbolic elements. Flans are often irregular, and surface condition commonly impacted by environmental factors, typical for extensively circulated base metal coinage.