CVC & Collectables presents this AE22 bronze coin issued at Amisus, a key city of Pontus on the southern Black Sea coast, during the reign of Mithradates VI Eupator (c. 120–63 BC)—the famed adversary of Rome in the Mithridatic Wars.
This issue features a dramatic three-quarter facing aegis portrait on the obverse, a striking Hellenistic design rarely seen on bronze types. The reverse displays Nike advancing right, holding a palm branch, with a monogram in the right field. A fine and evocative example of late Hellenistic civic bronze.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuing Authority: Kingdom of Pontus, under Mithradates VI
- Date: Circa 85–65 BC
- Mint: Amisus (modern Samsun, Turkey)
- Denomination: AE22
- Composition: Bronze
- Weight: ~7.5–9.5 g (typical range)
- Diameter: 22 mm
- Obverse: Aegis with facing portrait
- Reverse: Nike walking right with palm over shoulder; monogram to right; legend “AMIΣOY”
- References: HGC 7, 242; SNG BM Black Sea 1186
- Grade: NGC Choice Fine (CH F) with attractive brown patina
Collectibility:
This type stands out in the market due to:
- Its aegis-facing portrait, a design element rarely used in Hellenistic bronze coinage
- Its historical link to Mithradates VI, one of antiquity’s most studied rulers
- Its attractive, evenly toned brown surfaces and bold detail for the type
Perfect for collectors of Greek bronzes, Mithradatic Wars coinage, or Hellenistic civic issues. Find more alike here!
