Kings of Armenia, Tigranes II ‘the Great’, AE Dichalkon, Tigranocerta Mint, Circa 80-68 BC – RR

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Description

Greek, Kings of Armenia, Tigranes II ‘the Great’, AE Dichalkon, Tigranocerta Mint (bronze, 3.59g, 17.8mm), Circa 80-68 BC
Obv: Draped bust right, wearing tiara with star and eagles
Rev: Vahagn (Herakles) standing left, leaning on club, lion skin draped over left arm; [TP-A] across upper inner fields
Ref:  Kovacs Series 2, 82; AC 72 Rarity/Choice: Scarce, aVF (patina scratches otherwise, nice earthen highlight on dark green patina)
Note: Tigranes II, known as ‘the Great’, was one of the most influential rulers of ancient Armenia. His reign marked a period of significant expansion and prosperity for the Armenian kingdom. Rising to power in 95 BC, Tigranes quickly established himself as a formidable leader, extending Armenian control over vast territories, including parts of modern-day Syria and Mesopotamia. He formed strategic alliances, notably marrying Cleopatra, daughter of Ptolemy IX of Egypt, strengthening ties with the powerful Ptolemaic dynasty. Tigranes’ military campaigns brought him into conflict with the Roman Republic, culminating in a disastrous defeat against Roman general Lucullus in 69 BC. Despite setbacks, Tigranes’ legacy as a visionary leader who elevated Armenia’s status in the ancient world endures. The obverse symbolizes a distinctive feature of Armenian royalty, symbolizing their connection to the divine. On the reverse, the figure of Vahagn, the Armenian god associated with Herakles in Greek mythology. He wears a lion skin draped over his left arm, another symbol of strength and valor. This imagery reflects Tigranes II’s assertion of his royal power and the divine legitimacy of his rule, as well as his association with Armenian deities and Greek cultural influences.

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