KINGS of BOSPORUS. Mithridates III, with Claudius. AD 39/40-44/5. AV Stater (20mm, 7.85 g, 12h). Dated BE 337 (AD 40/1).

Triton XXV
Lot: 639. Estimated: $ 10 000

Roman Provincial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 16 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

KINGS of BOSPORUS. Mithridates III, with Claudius. AD 39/40-44/5. AV Stater (20mm, 7.85 g, 12h). Dated BE 337 (AD 40/1). Laureate head of Claudius right / BA(quadrate C)IΛE Ω (quadrate C) MIΘPI ΔATOV •, Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; Z ΛΤ (date) across field. Frolova & Ireland 1 = Anokhin 328 (same dies); MacDonald 309; RPC I 1908A. Underlying luster, slight double strike, light deposits and minor die breaks on obverse. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. Extremely rare, none for this date in CoinArchives.

Following Julius Caesar’s famous defeat of Pharnakes II, the Bosporan kingdom was ruled by a succession of Roman-approved client kings. Upon the accession of Mithradates III, he sent his younger brother Cotys to Rome as his ambassador. Cotys instead used this as an opportunity to betray his brother, informing the Romans that Mithradates was plotting a war against Rome. As a result, Mithradates was deposed and replaced by Cotys. Mithradates fled and, with Cotys now installed as king, much of the Roman forces left the region. Mithradates attempted to regain the throne but was quickly defeated. With all of his support now gone, the displaced king was forced to surrender and was subsequently permitted to live in Rome. He was put to death by Galba in AD 68 following an attempted coup.

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 Two – Greek Coinage (Part 2) through Roman Provincial Coinage will be held Tuesday afternoon, 11 January 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM 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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