Kingdom of Pontus. Mithradates VI Eupator (120–63 BC)
Complete academic description of the coin:
Bronze coin (Æ), minted in the city of Amisos (Pontus).
Weight: 7.78 g
Diameter: 20 mm
Approximate date: circa 100–65 BC
Denomination: Æ (medium bronze denomination)
Obverse:
Head of Ares wearing a helmet, facing right. The depiction follows Hellenistic artistic conventions, with emphasized facial features and a characteristic military helmet.
Reverse:
Inscription «ΑΜΙΣΟΥ» (“of Amisos”).
Sword in scabbard set vertically; to the left a crescent surmounted by a star; magistrate monograms in the fields (partially worn).
General characteristics and condition:
The coin corresponds to a well-documented bronze type of Amisos during the reign of Mithradates VI. The weight is slightly below standard due to circulation wear. Condition: Fine (F), with noticeable smoothing of details and surface corrosion.
Patina:
Natural dark green to brown patina with areas of copper oxidation. The surface is partially rough, typical for ancient bronze coins recovered from the ground. The patina is stable and shows no signs of harsh cleaning.
Rarity:
According to standard academic references (SNG BM Black Sea; HGC 7), this type is classified as common, regularly encountered in numismatic material. However, well-preserved specimens with strong detail are considerably less frequent.
Historical note
Mithradates VI Eupator Dionysos, King of Pontus, reigned from 120 to 63 BC. He was one of the most formidable opponents of the Roman Republic in the East and is renowned for initiating the Mithridatic Wars. Under his rule, the Kingdom of Pontus reached its greatest extent, controlling vast territories in Asia Minor and the Black Sea region. The coinage of his reign reflects a rich iconography blending Greek and Eastern traditions.