Triton XVI, Lot: 61. Estimate $2000. Sold for $4250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SKYTHIA, Olbia. Circa 110-100 BC. AR Didrachm (18mm, 5.74 g, 12h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; c/m to left: leaf (or silphion plant?) within incuse circle / Round shield on upright spear; OΛBIO above, monogram to left, ΠOΛ[I] below. Anokhin 508 (with c/m); Karyshkovskij –; Frolova & Abramzon –; SNG BM Black Sea 684 (with c/m); SNG Pushkin –; SNG Stancomb –; Sutzu II –; SNG Lockett 1084 (this coin). VF, toned, a couple light scratches on reverse. Very rare, approximately only 12 examples known, 8 of which are in museums.

From the Alex Shubs Collection. Ex LHS 95 (25 October 2005), lot 547; Hess-Leu 45 (12 May 1970), lot 90; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Part II, Glendining, 12 February 1958), lot 999.

The monogram on this issue is thought to resolve as EΠΙΦAN[OYΣ].

This silver coinage was struck just after the death of the Skythian king Skilouros, who ruled from the city and had been at war against Mithradates VI of Pontos. It was a tense time for Olbia, as the Pontic king began extending his rule, often by force, throughout the region.