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Drachm - Aristarchus
| Issuer | Colchis, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 52 BC - 51 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | Draped female figure seated on a throne facing left, wearing a turreted mural crown, identified as a personification of the city or region of Colchis. She rests her right arm on the throne and holds a spherical object in her extended left hand; a rudder leans against the throne at her side, symbolising maritime authority. Greek legend in two lines flanks the central figure and continues beneath: ARIΣTARΧOΥ TOΥ EΠI KOLΧIΔOΣ, with the date BI (year 12 by the local Pontic era, corresponding to 52–51 BC) inscribed below. The composition follows Hellenistic civic iconographic conventions common to Pontic client kingdoms. |
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| Reverse lettering | ARIΣTARΧOΥ TOΥ EΠI KOLΧIΔOΣ BI (Translation: Aristarchus, Viceroy of Kolchidos) |
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| Additional information |
Aristarchus was installed as king of Colchis by Pompey following Rome's reorganization of the Pontic territories after the defeat of Mithridates VI, making his coinage essentially a product of Roman political will rather than independent dynastic ambition. His reign was short and his issues are correspondingly rare.