Kings of Armenia Minor, Mithradates, Circa 180s-170s BC, Chalkous AE, Mithradates Bust / Lion – RRRR

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Description

Greek, Kings of Armenia Minor, Mithradates, Circa 180s-170s BC, Chalkous AE (bronze, 2.55g, 13.1)
Obv:Ā  Mithradates depicted with draped bust facing left, wearing a bearded upright bashlyk tied with a diadem
Rev: [š”Œš”•š”“š”Šš”•] (‘mtrdt’ in Aramaic = Mithradates ) Lion springing right
Ref: Unpublished by Kovacs – Similar Lot sold on Leu Numismatic web auction 24 lot 1546 (03.12.2022) Rarity/Choice: Very Rare, VF (minor cracks otherwise, nicely centered and struck on broad flan exhibiting dark patina)
Note: The Armenian Kingdom, situated in the Armenian Highlands and neighboring territories, held a significant position in the ancient Near East during the Hellenistic period, experiencing shifts in power and influence due to interactions with surrounding empires like the Seleucid Empire and later the rising Parthian Empire. Within this dynamic political landscape, Mithradates emerged as a notable figure, playing a pivotal role in shaping the kingdom’s fortunes. As part of the Artaxiad dynasty, Mithradates expanded Armenia’s territories and solidified its position as a regional power. This coin of Mithradates is depicted wearing a bashlyk, a soft cap often worn in eastern regions, tied with a diadem, symbolizing his kingship and authority. The presence of a lion, a powerful and regal creature associated with royalty and strength, emphasizeing Mithradates’ authority and the might of the Armenian Kingdom under his rule. Overall, this coin provides a glimpse into the reign of Mithradates and the Armenian Kingdom during the Hellenistic period. It reflects Mithradates’ royal status and the strength of his rule, as well as the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region, as seen in the use of Aramaic script.

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