• Finest Quality Ancient Greek, Roman & Byzantine Coins
  • Renaissance & 17th Century Dutch Medals
  • Auctions & Private Treaty Sales

Obolos 16

11 October 2020
Webauction
overview
Starting Price: 50 CHF
Hammer Price:  65 CHF
Lot 899

KINGS OF CAPPADOCIA. Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios, 96-63 BC. Drachm (Silver, 16 mm, 4.05 g, 1 h), Mint A (Eusebeia under Mt. Argaios), uncertain date, but either year 30 or 31 = 66/5 or 65/4 BC. Diademed head of Ariobarzanes to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ APIOBAPZ[ANOY Φ]IΛOPΩMAI[OY] Athena standing left, holding Nike in right hand, resting left on shield set on ground behind her; spear behind; to inner left, monogram. HGC 7, 846. Cf. Simonetta, Revision 59-63. Toned; with a bold portrait. Very fine.



In 96 BC Rome dissolved the Cappadocian monarchy and established a Republic. This was done in order to quiet the disturbances caused by the meddling of Cappadocia's neighbors. The Cappadocian people, though, were used to a monarchy and decried the republic that Rome had established. The Romans then reinstituted the monarchy, installing a Cappadocian nobleman of Persian ancestry on the throne. This was Ariobarzanes I Philoromais ("Friend of the Romans"). The reign of Ariobarzanes was very troubled, and he was deposed a total of six times during his 33 year reign by either Mithradates VI of Pontos or Tigranes II of Armenia, each time being reinstated on the throne by Rome's generals. Finally in 63 BC, worn out due to old age and the constant strife caused by his belligerent neighbors, Ariobarzanes abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Ariobarzanes II.

Online bidding closes: 11 Oct 2020, 21:29:30 CEST Current Date & Time: 28 Mar 2024, 18:58:53 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:65 CHF by WILLI (3 bids)
An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙
Reconnecting, please wait...