Katalog
| Emittent | Kings of Pontos |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 88 BC - 86 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | Gold Stater (20) |
| Währung | Drachm |
| Material | Gold |
| Gewicht | 8.23 g |
| Durchmesser | 20.0 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | SNG Copenhagen#1094, HGC 7#1799 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing horn of Ammon. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | |
| Averslegende | |
| Reversbeschreibung | Athena Nikephoros seated left, resting arm on shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, ΙΣ on throne, ΔΙ in inner left field and ornate trident in exergue. |
| Reversschrift | Greek |
| Reverslegende |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ ΔΙ (Translation: King Lysimachos) |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (88 BC - 86 BC) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 5403113700 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This gold stater, issued 88-86 BC, places its production squarely within the First Mithridatic War, a period of intense conflict between the Kingdom of Pontos and the Roman Republic. Mithridates VI Eupator, a formidable ruler, challenged Roman hegemony in Asia Minor. The minting of such high-value gold coinage underscores the king's immense wealth and urgent need to finance extensive military campaigns, mercenaries, and alliances during this existential struggle against Rome.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this stater exemplifies the sophisticated Hellenistic artistic tradition prevalent in the Pontic kingdom. Obverse designs typically feature a striking, idealized portrait of Mithridates VI, often depicted as Dionysus or Alexander, reflecting his divine aspirations. The reverse commonly displays an iconic symbol such as Pegasus, a stag, or a star and crescent, often with a monogram, executed with remarkable precision and classical elegance by skilled die-cutters.
Technical/Grading: Struck in 8.23 grams of gold with a 20.0 mm diameter, this stater typically exhibits excellent strike quality, characteristic of high-value Hellenistic gold issues. Key high-points for wear on the obverse portrait include hair details, cheekbone, and chin. On the reverse, animal musculature or symbolic elements are critical. Collectors assess centering, flan shape, and detail preservation. Well-centered strikes on full flans with minimal die wear command premium valuations, aided by gold's malleability for superior preservation.