Hi everyone, just won this one in an auction. I really like the portrait and the condition is great i think. Interesting subject on the reverse. The Cista Mystica. Coin Type: Brass AE21 of Amisos in Pontos, time Of Mithradates VI, 120-63 BCE Mint and Date: Amisos, 120-63 BCE Size and Weight: 20mm x 21mm, 8.30g Obverse: Head of young Dionysos right, wreathed in ivy with leaves and clusters of fruit. Reverse: Cista Mystica, with a ribboned thyrsos resting on it diagonally. Monogram to left, AMIΣOY below. Ref: GCV 3640 BW Ref: 009 050 160 In ancient Greek mystery cults, the cista mystica were wicker-work boxes which seem to have contained a live serpent, as represented in numerous ancient images, including coins on which a cista is shown half-open with a serpent creeping out of it. These cistra were sometimes oblong, but more frequently cylindrical, for example, as represented in a statue of Silenus sitting on a large drum-shaped cista, holding a wine-jug in his hand. Cistra mystica were also carried in procession in the Greek festivals of Demeter and Dionysus—these boxes were always kept closed in public, and contained sacred items connected with the worship of these deities. The cista mystica was also known to be sacred to Bacchus, but similar cult objects were probably also affiliated with Isis. In the Bacchic mysteries, the serpent was carried on a bed of grape leaves and was used as a stand-in for the god. Copyright@Wikipedia. Feel free to show any coins related. I would enjoy seeing them.
Nice coin. Mithradates VI is an amazing character maligned because most historians had a Roman bent on their view of him but now he is getting some more fair treatment.
I bought one in that auction also but not sure if it is a real Pontus or not. The bust is a little strange as well as the reverse. If anyone recognizes it please let me know.
Excellent example @old49er. I have an example which is one of my favorites. AMISOS, PONTOS AE 20 OBVERSE: Head of youthful Dionysos right, wreathed with ivy REVERSE: Thyrsos leaning against cista mystica draped with panther skin; AMISOU below Struck at Amisos 85-65 BC 8.8g, 21mm SNG BM Black Sea 1199-1200; HGC 7, 243
Nice one @old49er I have one too, but am so sorry to post it after @Bing posted his, because mine is far below Amisos, AE19 Head of Dionysos right Cista mystica, AMISOY at exergue 8.48 gr, 19 mm Ref : Sear #3640 Q
I have a little different reverse from that time: PONTOS Amisos 85-65 BCE Æ24 12.2g Mithradates VI as Perseus r Phrygian helmet Pegasos grazing l Malloy 33b HGC 7 239
OK @TIF gave me the answer - Bosporus, which is what the MH in the wreath means. Probably Sauromates or Rhoemetalkes under Roman rule.
