Nomos 12

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator, Circa 120-63 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 30mm, 16.76 g 12), Pergamon (?), year 231 = 67/6 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates VI to right, his hair streaming out behind. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ // ΜΙΘΡΑΔΑΤΟΥ / ΕΥΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ / ΑΛΣ Stag feeding to left; to left, star within crescent; to right, monogram; all within ivy wreath. DCA 692. De Callataÿ p. 20 (these dies not noted, but cf. D77). RG pl. 20, 6. A splendid piece, struck on a broad flan. Metal defect on cheek, otherwise, good extremely fine.

Mithradates VI’s last dated tetradrachms were produced in year 231. They were struck, probably in fairly large numbers, utilizing a considerable number of obverse and reverse dies; this was done to help finance the king’s comeback to power, which began with his defeat of the Romans at Zela in summer 67 BC. The effects of this victory were shortlived: Pompey arrived and, in 66, destroyed the Pontic army at the battle of the Lykos river. This coin was, thus, buried for safe keeping almost as soon as it was struck.