Catalogue
| Émetteur | Kings of Pontos |
|---|---|
| Année | 200 BC - 169 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Gold Stater (20) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Poids | 8.47 g |
| Diamètre | 19.5 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | HGC 7#322 , Alram#26 |
| Description de l’avers | Diademed head right. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Male figure, wearing flat headdress, holding cornucopia in right hand, vine branch in left, from which a deer, standing right, feeds, on his left; MH monogram to inner right. |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦAPNAKOY (Translation: King Pharnaces) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (200 BC - 169 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 8240229380 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This gold stater was issued by Pharnaces I, King of Pontos (200-169 BC), a pivotal figure in the Hellenistic East. His reign saw significant Pontic expansion, often through military conflict with neighboring kingdoms. The issuance of high-value gold coinage from Amisos highlights his economic strength and military ambitions, crucial for financing campaigns and asserting his kingdom's power amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape influenced by Rome.
Artistry: This stater showcases refined Hellenistic artistry. The obverse typically features a finely rendered, ivy-wreathed head of Dionysus, embodying the naturalism and idealized forms of the era. The reverse often depicts a cista mystica flanked by snakes, with a thrysus and royal monograms, all within an ivy wreath. This rich iconography, rooted in Dionysian cults, reflects the cultural identity and affiliations of the Pontic kingdom, presenting a sophisticated visual narrative of royal authority.
Technical/Grading: Struck from 8.47 grams of gold, 19.5 mm in diameter, this stater typically exhibits excellent fabric and strike quality. Critical high-points for evaluation include the intricate details of Dionysus's hair and ivy wreath on the obverse, and the scales of the snakes and cista mystica on the reverse. A well-centered and sharply struck example, free from significant planchet flaws or die wear, represents optimal technical execution, reflecting the precision expected of royal coinage.