Catalog
| Issuer | Cabira |
|---|---|
| Year | 120 BC - 100 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetrachalkon (1⁄12) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 7.0 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | SNG BM Black Sea#1243-45 |
| Obverse description | Gorgoneion on aegis. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Nike advancing right, holding wreath and palm branch. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
ΚΑΒΗ ΡΩΝ (Translation: Kabeira) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (120 BC - 100 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 4197693670 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This bronze tetrachalkon, issued from Cabira (120-100 BC), dates to the early reign of Mithridates VI Eupator. The "Poison King" transformed Pontus into a dominant Black Sea power. Cabira, a royal residence, was a strategic minting center during this period of consolidation, preceding his Roman conflicts. These coins facilitated commerce and projected his growing authority.
Artistry: The design exemplifies Hellenistic artistic tradition, with naturalistic portraiture and symbolic iconography. Engravers are anonymous. The obverse typically features a youthful, idealized portrait of Mithridates VI, often with a diadem or lion-skin, referencing Hercules and divine favor. The reverse commonly presents a club and bow in a quiver, sometimes with a star and crescent, powerful emblems of royal authority and celestial connections.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a bronze flan, this tetrachalkon measures 20 mm and weighs 7.0 g, consistent with SNG BM Black Sea#1243-45. Key high-points for grading include the obverse portrait's hair and facial features, plus the club and fletching on the reverse. Technical strike qualities vary; a well-centered strike with sharp legends and minimal die wear is highly desirable. Bronze issues often exhibit striking imperfections due to the metal and ancient minting process.