KOLCHIS, Dioskourias. Aristarchos. Circa 63-47 BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 3.93 g, 1h). Dated RY 12 (52/1 BC).

Triton XXV
Lot: 208. Estimated: $ 5 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 9 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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KOLCHIS, Dioskourias. Aristarchos. Circa 63-47 BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 3.93 g, 1h). Dated RY 12 (52/1 BC). Radiate head (with features of Pompey?) right / APIΣTAPXOY [T]OV EΠI KOΛXIΔOΣ, Tyche seated right, holding grounded rudder and round vessel(?); BI (date) in exergue. G. R. Tsetskhladze, “On the numismatics of Colchis: the classical archaeologist’s perspective” in Dialogues d’histoire ancienne 19 (1993), pp. 245–6; Golenko p. 573; HGC 7, 207; DCA –; SNG Ashmolean 34; SNG BM Black Sea 1020. Lightly toned, minor deposits, test cut, scrape and light scratch on obverse. VF. Extremely rare, approximately six examples previously recorded, all in museum collections (Ashmolean, Berlin, BM, BN, and the Hermitage [2 pieces]). None in CoinArchives; possibly the only example in private hands.

Kolchis, located along the eastern curve of the Black Sea in present-day Georgia, was a land of mystery in the Greek world famous as the destination of the Argonauts and home of the Golden Fleece. It was settled by the Greeks in fifth century BC but remained home to numerous nationalities, with more than 70 languages reportedly spoken among its inhabitants. In 63 BC, the Roman general Pompey the Great gained control of Kolchis as a result of his defeat of Mithridates VI of Pontos. The historian Appian almost casually mentions that, as part of his eastern settlement, Pompey “made Aristarchos dynast of the Kolchians.” Among the privileges granted by Pompey was apparently the right to strike silver coins. However, the drachms struck by Aristarchos remain extremely rare, with only seven known specimens, including the present example; six of these are in museum collections. All depict on the obverse an idealized radiate male head with features resembling those of the young Pompey, reflecting his role in the appointment of Aristarchos. The length of Aristarchos’s reign is unknown; all known drachms are dated Year 12 after the Pompeian settlement, or 52/1 BC. His reign is unlikely to have survived the revolt of Pharnakes II in 48 BC, which saw the destruction of many cities in Kolchis.

The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session One – Greek Coinage (Part 1) will be held Tuesday morning, 11 January 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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