Stater - Mithridates VI Eupator Pergamon

発行体 Kings of Pontos
年号 74 BC
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 Gold Stater (20)
通貨 Drachm
材質 Gold
重量 8.4 g
直径 21 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き Variable alignment ↺
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献
表面の説明 Head of Mithridates VI to right, diademed, hair flowing.
表面の文字体系
表面の銘文
裏面の説明 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.
裏面の文字体系 Greek
裏面の銘文 ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΙΘΡΑΔΑΤΟΥ ΕΥΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΓΚΣ ΙΓ
(Translation: King Mithridates VI Eupator (of noble father))
鋳造所
鋳造数 223 (74 BC) - ΙΒ, ΓΚΣ -
223 (74 BC) - ΙΓ, ΓΚΣ -
Numisquare ID 5008304090
追加情報

Historical Context: This gold stater, struck in 74 BC, belongs to the tumultuous reign of Mithridates VI Eupator, the formidable King of Pontos. Issued during the Third Mithridatic War, this coin served as vital propaganda and a means to finance his protracted struggle against the expanding Roman Republic. Its issuance underscores Mithridates' assertion of Hellenistic sovereignty and his role as a champion against Roman dominance in Asia Minor, even as his power began to wane.

Artistry: The coin exemplifies the peak of Hellenistic portraiture, likely executed by a master engraver. The obverse typically features a highly idealized yet realistic portrait of Mithridates VI, often depicted with flowing hair and a diadem, embodying a heroic persona akin to Alexander the Great. The reverse commonly displays a majestic stag grazing, or a Pegasos, accompanied by symbols like a star and crescent, reflecting Pontic dynastic emblems and classical Greek iconography.

Technical/Grading: Struck in 8.4 grams of gold with a diameter of 21 millimeters, this stater exhibits typical Hellenistic minting standards. High-points for wear are primarily found on the obverse: the highest strands of hair, the brow, and the tip of the nose. On the reverse, the musculature of the stag or the wings of Pegasos would show earliest friction. A well-centered strike, strong relief, and minimal die wear indicate careful production, essential for such a high-value coin and symbol of royal authority.

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