ATTICA, Athens. Roman Republican period. 87/6 BC. Æ Chalkous (19mm, 7.60 g, 12h). Struck under Mithradates VI of Pontos and Aristion, Tyrant of Athens. VF.

Electronic Auction 550
Lot: 353. Estimated: $ 150

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ATTICA, Athens. Roman Republican period. 87/6 BC. Æ Chalkous (19mm, 7.60 g, 12h). Struck under Mithradates VI of Pontos and Aristion, Tyrant of Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right / Zeus striding right, preparing to cast thunderbolt; to right, star within two crescents. Kroll 97; Svoronos, Athenes pl. 81, 45-8; Callataÿ pl. LIII, J–K. Dark brown patina, reverse slightly off center. VF.

From the St. George Collection, purchased from John Jencek.

By 88 BC, Mithradates IV had conquered much of Asia Minor and had headed west towards Rome. He meticulously planned and carried out a massacre over 80,000 Italians and Romans then advanced towards Greece. Archelaus was sent to Greece where he established Aristion as tyrant in Athens. Fearing further genocide, the Romans quickly declared war. In 87 BC, the proconsul Sulla began his siege of Athens. The Athenians supported Mithradates but Sulla had acquired the backing of the majority of the Peolopponesian and southern Greeek cities, most importantly, Thebes. The siege finally came to a close with Aristion’s capture and execution on 1 March 86 BC.

Closing Date and Time: 15 November 2023 at 11:57:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.