3. Stater Coin, Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus, in the name of Lysimachos, struck in Tomis, approx. 88-86 BCE, gold, museum piece

Obverse: The head of the god Alexander the Great, wearing the horns of Zeus-Amon Reverse: Goddess Athena seated, to the left, holding in her right hand Nike, resting her left hand on a shield, and holding a spear. Nike is depicted with open wings and holding a laurel wreath in her hands. Underneath the throne, we find the first three letters of the city where the coin was minted, "TO" (Tomis). Mithridates VI Eupator was a powerful king of Pontus, known for his conflicts with Rome, especially in the Mithridatic Wars. From 88-86 BCE, Mithridates was in the midst of an intense struggle to expand and consolidate his power in the face of Rome. The coin is issued under his authority, but with the name Lysimachus, another great military leader of the Hellenistic world, who had been a general of Alexander the Great and the founder of a kingdom in Asia Minor. Lysimachus was a symbolic figure, and the use of his name on the coin reflects a political legitimacy that Mithridates desired to strengthen his authority in front of the inhabitants and other kingdoms. The stater issued during this period is significant from a numismatic point of view, being an example of the fusion between the Hellenistic heritage and Pontus' ambitions. Coins issued under Mithridates in the name of other kings or with the image of other monarchs reflect a mixture of political, economic, and cultural influences that marked the Hellenistic period and the beginning of its decline. Additionally, the coins minted in Tomis serve as evidence of the extensive trade circulation in the Black Sea area and the relations with the Roman Empire, being used by both allies and enemies of Rome. Coins of this type are highly sought after today due to their rarity and historical importance. They represent not only a valuable numismatic artifact but also a direct link to a tumultuous period of the ancient world's history, being considered excellent investments for collectors of historical coins.

Dimensions

custom d=19 mm

Description

gold

PROVENANCE

The coin was purchased from an auction house in London, UK. The owner has all the acquisition documents, and copies of these, with personal data and prices erased, will be made available to the buyer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.