The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.
The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.
62. Stater Coin, Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus, in the name of Lysimachos, minted in Tomis, approx. 88-86 B.C., gold, exceptional piece
Selling price
Pretul de pornire si cel estimat nu sunt preturi de vanzare efective
EUR 7.500
Session
Wed, 24 September 2025 18:00
Obverse: the head of god Alexander the Great, wearing the horns of Zeus-Ammon. Reverse: goddess Athena seated, to the left, holding in the right hand the extended Nike, with the left hand leaning against the shield and holding the spear. Goddess Nike is depicted with open wings and holding a laurel wreath in her hands. Under the throne, we find the first two letters of the name of the city where the piece was minted, "TO" (Tomis).
Mithridates VI Eupator was a powerful king of Pontus, known for his conflicts with Rome, especially in the Mithridatic Wars. During 88-86 BC, Mithridates was in the midst of an intense battle for expansion and consolidation of his power against Rome. The coin is issued under his authority, but with the name of Lysimachus, another great military leader of the Hellenistic world, who had been a general of Alexander the Great and founder of a kingdom in Asia Minor. Lysimachus was a symbolic figure, and the use of his name on coin reflects a political legitimacy that Mithridates wanted to reinforce his authority in the face of inhabitants and other kingdoms.
Tomis, an important Greek colony on the Black Sea coast, was a significant economic and cultural center. By minting coins in Tomis, Mithridates consolidates his influence in the region and establishes a monetary unit that is recognized in trade throughout Pontus and the Black Sea.
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 the ambitions of Pontus. Coins minted under Mithridates in the name of other kings or with the image of other monarchs reflect a mix of political, economic and cultural influences that marked the Hellenistic period and the beginning of its decline. Moreover, the coins minted in Tomis are evidence of extensive commercial circulation in the Black Sea area and relations with the Roman Empire, being used by both allies and enemies of Rome.
Coins of this type are currently highly sought after due to their rarity and historical significance. They represent not just a valuable numismatic artifact, but also a direct link to a tumultuous period in the history of ancient world, being considered excellent investments for collectors of historic coins.
Dimensions
custom d=20 mm
Description
gold
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.
Detalii
Obverse: the head of god Alexander the Great, wearing the horns of Zeus-Ammon. Reverse: goddess Athena seated, to the left, holding in the right hand the extended Nike, with the left hand leaning against the shield and holding the spear. Goddess Nike is depicted with open wings and holding a laurel wreath in her hands. Under the throne, we find the first two letters of the name of the city where the piece was minted, "TO" (Tomis).
Mithridates VI Eupator was a powerful king of Pontus, known for his conflicts with Rome, especially in the Mithridatic Wars. During 88-86 BC, Mithridates was in the midst of an intense battle for expansion and consolidation of his power against Rome. The coin is issued under his authority, but with the name of Lysimachus, another great military leader of the Hellenistic world, who had been a general of Alexander the Great and founder of a kingdom in Asia Minor. Lysimachus was a symbolic figure, and the use of his name on coin reflects a political legitimacy that Mithridates wanted to reinforce his authority in the face of inhabitants and other kingdoms.
Tomis, an important Greek colony on the Black Sea coast, was a significant economic and cultural center. By minting coins in Tomis, Mithridates consolidates his influence in the region and establishes a monetary unit that is recognized in trade throughout Pontus and the Black Sea.
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 the ambitions of Pontus. Coins minted under Mithridates in the name of other kings or with the image of other monarchs reflect a mix of political, economic and cultural influences that marked the Hellenistic period and the beginning of its decline. Moreover, the coins minted in Tomis are evidence of extensive commercial circulation in the Black Sea area and relations with the Roman Empire, being used by both allies and enemies of Rome.
Coins of this type are currently highly sought after due to their rarity and historical significance. They represent not just a valuable numismatic artifact, but also a direct link to a tumultuous period in the history of ancient world, being considered excellent investments for collectors of historic coins.
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.
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