Lot 22: KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI. 120-63 BC. AV Stater. Tomis mint. Struck during the First Mithradatic War, 88-86 BC.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI. 120-63 BC. AV Stater (20mm - 8.26 g). Tomis mint. Struck during the First Mithradatic War, 88-86 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena seated left, holding Nike, left arm resting on shield, spear behind; HRF to inner left, TO on throne, trident in exergue. De Callataÿ pg. 141/2 (D3/R1 - see notes); AMNG I 2481/2478. EF, very little wear.

The obverse die on this coin is De Callataÿ's obverse die D3. The reverse die of this coin began it's life with the letters QEO above Athena's knee and is the same die as pl. 37, R1b paired with the die labeled D6. The letters were then recut to read HRF as seen on this coin, perhaps trying to make it look like HPO, and traces of the original lettering can still be seen. This combination of dies is not recorded by De Callataÿ.

On a side issue, De Callataÿ's plates are mis-numbered slightly and I'd like to correct a few issues. On plate 37 for Tomis, the obverse die labeled D5 is actually D6 and the die labeled D6 is D2.

• Offered By: VAuctions
• Lot #: 22
• Listing #: 217063
• Closed: Thursday, April 30, 2009 5:42:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $1,250