I have a nice idea that I want to base a part of my collection on. I was already determined to get all the Amisos coins during the reign of Mithridates. However, lately I got so into the Mithridatic wars and Mithridates that I am even reading a book about it/him (The Poison King by Adrienne Mayor). I am planning therefore to get coins from all significant figures during the Mithridatic wars: Mithridates VI, Nikomedes III and IV, Tigranes II, Ariarathes IX, Ariobarzanes I, Ariarathes VI, VII and VIII but also a (or some) coins from the Roman republic. But I know pretty much nothing about Roman coins (only some imperial coins here and there), and even less about Roman Republican coins. What would be the best coins I could pick for this purpose? Preferably under 125-150 dollars a coin since I rather spend a bit more money on the Greek coins then the Roman ones. The most notable Roman characters during the Mithridatic wars are definitely Sulla, Lucullus and Pompey. Are there coins from these persons or are they expensive? If they are expensive (or better said way above my budget of 125-150 dollars a coin), what are alternative coins? Thank you!
there are lots of cheap coins of Sulla from that period. I think the absolute best coin for you would be the Sulla type actually struck in Asia in the period, Crawford 359. My example below. struck in Asia c.84 BC by Sulla. coins of Sulla once back in Rome from 83 BC onwards are also common. Pompey only struck one early coin in this period, a gold aureus. Later coins of Pompey from the civil wars in the 40s as well as coins commemorating Sulla by his nephew in the 50s are also easily found. But I think the best is the type I illustrate. worn examples should be available for $100-$200.
Coins Sulla, Lucullus and Pompey would be a good start. L CORNELIUS SULLA FELIX ROMAN REPUBLIC; GENS CORNELIA AR Denarius OBVERSE: Diademed head of Venus right REVERSE: Double cornucopiae; Q below Rome 81 BC 3.77g, 19mm Cr 375/2; Syd 755; Cornelia 33
I just wrote a post on a coin that has a peripheral interest in the Mithridatic wars, but it is quite rare: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/be...r-denarius-from-ny-to-1903-and-beyond.331174/ I agree with Andrew and Bing, those are good places to start for popular as well as affordable examples. You may also consider this type also from Sulla which can be found in affordable condition. L. Cornelius Sulla Imperator with L. Manlius Torquatus Proquaestor. Denarius, mint moving with Sulla 82, (3.70g, 18.7mm, 9h). L·MANLI T sideways – PRO Q. Helmeted head of Roma r. Rev. Triumphator, crowned by Victory flying l., in quadriga r., holding reins and caduceus; in exergue, L·SVLLA·IM. Babelon Manlia 7 and Cornelia 42. Sydenham 759. RBW 1386. Crawford 367/5. Scarce. Light iridescent tone and extremely fine
Thank you for the responses and the great advices. I will definitely first look for a nice coin from Sulla either minted in Asia Minor/Greece or from a moving mint. Is @Bing example struck by Lucullus? I have read that this type is an "anonymous denarius" most probably minted by Lucullus in Greece for Sulla before 84 BC.
Some really fun coins...but make sure to buy from a trusted seller. One of the first RR coins I ever purchased was just like @Andrew McCabe's stunning beauty, except it was a modern fake. But I realized it as soon as I received it (he said proudly as a newbie to ancients) and swiftly was refunded (the seller not wanting bad press refunded me and said I could keep the fakeroo). Undeterred, and desperate for a Sulla, I found one, within my budget (waaaay under your $150 budget), that desperately needed cleaning. I wish I had the foresight to take before pics. Anyway, despite losing some of the really cool toning visible here, I'm very happy with my Sulla. Best of luck building your Mithridatic coin empire!
This is the year (88BCE) Mithradates had 80,000 Romans KILLED in Asia province... RR Cn Lentulus Clodianus 88 BCE AR Quinarius Jupiter Victory crowning trophy Craw 345-2 S 255 SULLA at the Siege of Athens: And then he devastated the city... Athens AE19 c 87-86 BCE Time of SULLA Athena Zeus Sear Grk 2567 SULLA during Battle of Colline Gates (after return from Mithradates War), then takes Rome: RR Manlius Torquatus L. Corn Sulla 82 BCE AR den 17mm 3.7g Mil mint w Sulla. Roma - Sulla triumpl quadriga vict wreath Cr 367-3 Syd 759 S 286 SULLA renounces his Dictatorship (and a cool TRIGA that year!): RR Naevius Balbus 79 BCE AR Den Venus SC TRIGA Sulla S 309 Cr 382-1
