Paphlagonia, Sinope | Æ Bronze Coin under Mithradates VI Eupator (circa 95–70 BC)
Origin:
•Region: Paphlagonia (Northern Asia Minor)
•City: Sinope
•Date: Circa 95–90 or 80–70 BC
•Authority: Struck under Mithradates VI Eupator
•Material: Bronze (Æ)
•Weight: 8.73 g
•Condition: Very Fine
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Obverse:
Laureate head of Zeus facing right, boldly rendered with regal expression and divine authority. His mature, bearded profile emphasizes strength and wisdom—qualities deeply associated with both Zeus and the Hellenistic kings who invoked his image.
Reverse:
Greek legend ΣΙΝΩΠΗΣ (of Sinope).
An eagle stands left atop a thunderbolt, wings spread and head turned right—evoking the traditional symbol of Zeus’ divine power. A monogram appears in the left field, and a star in the right field, likely indicating a mint control mark or a celestial motif linked to royal propaganda.
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Historical Context
This coin was issued during the rule of Mithradates VI Eupator, King of Pontus (c. 120–63 BC), one of the most formidable adversaries of Rome. Known as the “Poison King” for his obsession with toxicology and immunity to poisons, Mithradates sought to unite the Hellenistic East against Roman expansion.
Sinope, located on the Black Sea coast, was a strategic and wealthy port city, and served as a key mint for Mithradates’ expanding kingdom. The presence of Zeus and his eagle symbolized not only divine legitimacy, but also Mithradates’ alignment with Greek cultural identity in opposition to Roman imperialism.
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Why This Coin Matters
•Minted during the dramatic and rebellious reign of Mithradates VI, a legendary figure in both Greek and Roman history
•Features Zeus and eagle imagery, classic symbols of kingship, authority, and divine power
•Issued in Sinope, a historically rich Black Sea city known for its maritime influence and later Roman colonization
•At 8.73 grams, this bronze coin has strong physical presence and symbolic weight
This piece is not just ancient currency—it’s a statement of defiance, divinity, and enduring Hellenistic identity during the twilight of Greek independence.
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Includes:
✔️ Authentic bronze coin from Sinope, under Mithradates VI Eupator
✔️ Certificate of authenticity & provenance