As a collector of primarily Late Roman silver it should come to no surprise that my Greek collection is sorely lacking. A few nights ago I saw were a CT member posted a few coins in the "For Sale" page. One of these coins was a Cappadocian drachm of Ariobarzanes III. My eyes instantly dilated, I quickly bought it and did a bit of research on the ruler. I justified my purchase by saying that the Cappadocian King was a friend of Rome and not just some oriental despot. I mean the Gods would want me to have a coin of a friend of the great Roman people, right?! A friend of the Romans Ariobarzanes III was, he initially sided with Pompey but after Pharsaleus he switched over to Caesar's side. He then aided Caesar in his short war with Pontus, the war were we get the phrase "Vini Vidi Vici", and was rewarded for his loyalty with extra territory. He was still loyal to the Caesarian forces after Caesar's murder in 44 BCE. In 42 BCE he was executed by Cassius, yes that Cassius, for not cooperating with the Liberators. Cassius would be killed shortly afterwards by Octavian and Antony at Philippi The Kingdom of Cappadocia at about the time my coin was struck. Now for the coin! Ariobarzanes III Pius and Friend of the Romans. Obv: Portrait of King, r.. Rev: Athena standing holding Nike, spear and shield. cf. BMC. 3. Please post any coins that you think are relevant.
Ariobarzanes I, AR Drachm, Sim S 7300 Bought this from Fred Shore in 1986...the iridescent toning has developed a little over 30 years.
LOL....Yes, it does have a bit of the 'Wicked Witch of the West' look to it---but I LOVE IT!! Nice pick-up @Magnus Maximus ---Congrats!!! Opps, I forgot to post my sole example of Cappadocia--- Circa 163-130 BC, Ariarathes V:
CAPPADOCIAN KINGDOM: Ariarathes V AR Drachm OBVERSE: Diademed head of Ariarathes V right REVERSE: Athena standing left, holding Nike & resting hand on grounded shield, HDI monogram in outer left field, PAFI monogram in inner left field, HF monogram in outer right field, date GL in exergue Struck at Cappadocia, Year 33 (= 130 BC) 4.2g, 18mm SNG Copenhagen Suppl. 673–678. Simonetta p. 24, 20b
Great coins every one. In just learning about these so any advice about collecting them would be welcome. Thanks.
