Pontic Kingdom, Mithradates VI, 120-63 B.C., Gold Stater

(8.11g), Callatis mint, modeled on the 3rd century B.C. silver coinage of Lysimachos, Alexander the Great's successor in Thrace, Macedon, and parts of Asia Minor. The coin's obverse features the deified Alexander wearing the ram's horn of the Egyptian god Zeus-Ammon while the reverse shows a seated Athena holding Nike, trident below.

From the Collection of Bruce R. Kuniholm, University Distinguished Service of Public Policy and History Emeritus, Founding Dean Emeritus of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

Mithradates VI of Pontus violently opposed Roman influence in the Black Sea region and throughout Asia Minor. Gold staters, such as the present coin, helped finance his wars, however Mithradates could not sustain a prolonged and bloody struggle with Rome.

A well-centered strike in high relief. Some residual mint luster is present.