Ancient Persia - 120-63 BC Pontic Kingdom, Mithradates VI AV Callatis Stater NGC MS

PONTIC KINGDOM. Mithradates VI Eupator (120-63 BC). Callatis Mint. AV stater (8.18 gm). NGC MS, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5. The Stater was an ancient Greek coin (Stater means 'weight') that was minted in numerous Greek city-states in addition to Callatis, Thrace. The ruins of the ancient Greek city of Callatis are found in modern-day Mangalia, Romania, which  is located on the shores of the Black Sea.

This is a late posthumous issue in name and types of Lysimachus, struck during the period of the 1st Mithradatic War, 88-86 BC. Obverse presents the diademed head of deified Alexander III facing right, with the horn of Ammon. Reverse reads, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΛYΣΙΜΑΧΟY, with the goddess Athena enthroned left, Nike in her right hand crowning royal name, left arm resting on grounded shield, with a transverse spear beyond. KAΛ is on the throne, below is a filleted trident pointing left in exergue. Reference: Müller 266. This is a gorgeous work of classical numismatic art, with its well-centered strike on a lustrous golden yellow flan.

Ruins in the ancient Greek city of Callatis, where this dramatic offering from AUCM was struck, in modern-day Mangalia, Romania. Photo: Wikipedia.