This bronze coin was minted between 85-65 BC in Amisus (modern Samsun, Turkey) during the reign of Mithridates VI of Pontus (kingdom on the southern coast of the Black Sea).
Front Side: Features the head of Dionysus (Greek god of wine) facing right, wearing an ivy wreath
Back Side: Depicts a cista mystica (sacred basket used in Dionysian religious ceremonies) with a panther skin and thyrsus (pine-cone tipped staff) on top
Technical Details:
Size: 21mm diameter
Weight: 8.36 grams
References: SNG BM-1199
Historical Significance: Mithridates VI was Rome's most formidable eastern enemy during the late Republic period. He controlled much of the Black Sea region and led three wars against Rome. The Dionysian imagery on this coin reflects Mithridates' strategic self-identification with the god Dionysus, presenting himself as a divine liberator against Roman expansion. The cista mystica symbolized the mystery cults that were popular throughout the Greek world at this time and helped Mithridates appeal to Greek cultural identity in his struggle against Rome.
This bronze coin was minted between 85-65 BC in Amisus (modern Samsun, Turkey) during the reign of Mithridates VI of Pontus (kingdom on the southern coast of the Black Sea).
Front Side: Features the head of Dionysus (Greek god of wine) facing right, wearing an ivy wreath
Back Side: Depicts a cista mystica (sacred basket used in Dionysian religious ceremonies) with a panther skin and thyrsus (pine-cone tipped staff) on top
Technical Details:
Size: 21mm diameter
Weight: 8.36 grams
References: SNG BM-1199
Historical Significance: Mithridates VI was Rome's most formidable eastern enemy during the late Republic period. He controlled much of the Black Sea region and led three wars against Rome. The Dionysian imagery on this coin reflects Mithridates' strategic self-identification with the god Dionysus, presenting himself as a divine liberator against Roman expansion. The cista mystica symbolized the mystery cults that were popular throughout the Greek world at this time and helped Mithridates appeal to Greek cultural identity in his struggle against Rome.
