| Heritage World Coin Auctions > Showcase Auction 61369 | Auction date: 7 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 21010 Price realized: 2,800 USD (Approx. 2,588 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients PONTIC KINGDOM. Mithradates VI Eupator (120-63 BC). AV stater (19mm, 8.32 gm, 1h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Late posthumous issue in name and types of Lysimachus of Thrace, Tomis, period of the 1st Mithradatic War, 88-86 BC. Diademed head of deified Alexander III right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena enthroned left, Nike standing left in outstretched right hand, left elbow resting on grounded shield, transverse spear beyond; ΔIO below right arm, TO on throne, filleted left in exergue. Meticulously crafted devices are highlighted by a silky luster. SNG Copenhagen 1093. Unfolding from 88 to 63 BC, the Mithradatic Wars encapsulate a series of three conflicts between the expanding Roman Republic and the Kingdom of Pontus under the leadership of Mithradates VI. These wars began primarily due to Roman territorial ambitions clashing with Mithradates VI's desires to preserve and enhance his kingdom's independence. The first war saw Mithradates taking control of the Roman province of Asia, resulting in a brief period of Hellenistic resurgence. The tide turned with the arrival of the famed Roman general Sulla, leading to Mithradates' defeat and a temporary peace with Rome. However, hostilities resumed, resulting in two more wars as Mithradates sought alliances with Rome's enemies and attempted to reestablish his authority in Asia Minor. The wars concluded with the death of Mithradates in 63 BC and the absorption of Pontus into the Roman Republic. Throughout this tumultuous period, these wars considerably challenged Rome's dominance, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the Republic's expansion in Asia Minor. Furthermore, his interest in toxicology, partly propelled by his fear of being poisoned, birthed the concept of "Mithridatism" - a practice of consuming small doses of poisons to develop immunity. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/greek/ancients-pontic-kingdom-mithradates-vi-eupator-120-63-bc-av-stater-19mm-832-gm-1h-ngc-choice-au-5-5-4-5/a/61369-21010.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-61369-04072024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved |  |
