The Monetary Crisis under Kotys III

335, Lot: 58. Estimate $200. Sold for $320. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of BOSPOROS. Kotys III, with Severus Alexander. AD 227/8-233/4. AR Stater (18mm, 7.43 g, 12h). Dated year 525 of the Bosporan Era (AD 228/9). Diademed and draped bust of Kotys right; pellet before / Laureate head of Severus Alexander right; ЄKΦ (date) below. MacDonald 574/1. VF, a few minor scratches.

From a European Collection of Coins of the Northern Black Sea.

A monetary crisis clearly erupted in the reign of Kotys III. During his rule, the quality of his staters declined precipitously, changing from electrum to silver to a debased billon.