Ancients: PONTIC KINGDOM. Mithradates VI Eupator (120-63 BC). AV stater (20mm, 8.30 gm, 12h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 4/5....

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High Relief Choice Mint State Stater

PONTIC KINGDOM. Mithradates VI Eupator (120-63 BC). AV stater (20mm, 8.30 gm, 12h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 4/5. Istrus, in the name and types of Lysimachus of Thrace, 88-86 BC. Diademed head of deified Alexander III right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena enthroned left, Nike standing left in outstretched right hand, left elbow resting on grounded shield, transverse spear beyond; ΔI below right arm, IΣ on throne, filleted trident with pointed base left above pellet in exergue. AMNG 482. SNG Copenhagen 1094 (Thrace, same dies). Remarkably strongly struck from fresh dies, with a lovely portrait.

From the Wetmore Collection of Gold and Electrum. Ex Apollo Numismatics, private sale (15 January 2012).

Unfolding from 88 to 63 BC, the Mithradatic Wars encapsulate a series of three conflicts between the expanding Roman Republic and the Kingdom of Pontus under the leadership of Mithradates VI. These wars began primarily due to Roman territorial ambitions clashing with Mithradates VI's desires to preserve and enhance his kingdom's independence. The first war saw Mithradates taking control of the Roman province of Asia, resulting in a brief period of Hellenistic resurgence. The tide turned with the arrival of the famed Roman general Sulla, leading to Mithradates' defeat and a temporary peace with Rome. However, hostilities resumed, resulting in two more wars as Mithradates sought alliances with Rome's enemies and attempted to reestablish his authority in Asia Minor. The wars concluded with the death of Mithradates in 63 BC and the absorption of Pontus into the Roman Republic. Throughout this tumultuous period, these wars considerably challenged Rome's dominance, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the Republic's expansion in Asia Minor. Furthermore, his interest in toxicology, partly propelled by his fear of being poisoned, birthed the concept of "Mithridatism" - a practice of consuming small doses of poisons to develop immunity.

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