|
Sale 108
Lot 45
Bithynian Kingdom. Nikomedes IV Philopator. Silver Tetradrachm (16.52 g), ca. 94-74 BC. BE 210 (88/7 BC). Diademed head of Nikomedes IV right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKOMHΔOY, Zeus standing facing, head left, holding wreath and scepter; to left, eagle standing on thunderbolt above magistrate's monogram and date (IΣ). Callataÿ p. 64; DCA 445. Extremely rare date. Excellent portrait with some minor deposits in the field. Very Fine. Estimate Value $2,500 - UP
The Bithynian Kingdom held a considerable place among the minor monarchies of Anatolia. The coins of the Bithynian kings depict their regal portraits in a highly accomplished Hellenistic style. Nicomedes IV, the last king of Bithynia, was defeated by Mithridates VI of Pontos, and, after being restored to his throne by the Roman Senate, bequeathed his kingdom by will to the Roman Republic in 74 B.C.
In 88 B.C., Mithradates destroyed Nikomedes' army forcing him to flee to Italy. His throne was not restored until Rome defeated Mithradates in 84 B.C. Waddington, Recueil General, pp. 217-8, notes, "it is difficult to explain the very rare coins that bear the dates IC, AIC, BIC. These dates correspond to 89/8 to 87/6 BC; but between mid-88 and the end of 83, the whole of Bithynia was in the hands of Mithradates Eupator. We are forced to conjecture (no text says so) that during this period several fortified places in Bithynia remained faithful to the legitimate king and continued to strike coins in his name."
|
| |
| Unsold |
|
