Obolos 13

KINGS OF SOPHENE. Mithradates I, 2nd half of 2nd century BC. Chalkous (Bronze, 13.5 mm, 1.61 g). Diademed head of Mithradates I to left, wearing bashlyk. Rev. remains of Aramaic inscription. Apparently unpublished. This enigmatic issue has many similarities with the bronze chalkoi of Mithradates I (Kovacs 27-30) thus we listed it under his name. Only examples in better condition will prove or disprove this hypothesis. Of extreme rarity, albeit almost illegible; fine glossy dark patina. Some minor rough areas and struck on an irregular flan, otherwise, fine.

This is a perfect coin for the imaginative scholar/collector: you can claim to see almost anything on it and, like the articles in the 19th century the Paully-Wissowa, write quite a long commentary on it despite having virtually no evidence. As the old country saying goes, "You pays your money and you takes your choice".