Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 401 12 July 2017
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KINGS of CAPPADOCIA. Ariobarzanes III Eusebes Philoromaios. 52-42 BC. AR Drachm (16.5mm, 3.54 g, 12h). Diademed head right / Athenan Nikephoros standing left; [control marks at sides, date in exergue]. Cf. HGC 7, 853. VF, lightly toned, overstruck on an eastern imitation of Athens. Numismatically important.
The attribution of this coin to Ariobarzanes III is based on the hair that is visible behind the ear on the portrait (most of which is not struck up). Such a series of forward swept hair in this location is only known on coins of this king (such as in the illustration of HGC 7, 853). The wide space between the legends and Athena on the reverse is also indicative of the last two Cappadocian kings, so if it not Ariobarzanes, it would almost certainly be his successor, Ariarathes X. The undertype is almost certainly an eastern imitation of Athens, as the style of the elements visible are not consistent with official products of that city.
The attribution of this coin to Ariobarzanes III is based on the hair that is visible behind the ear on the portrait (most of which is not struck up). Such a series of forward swept hair in this location is only known on coins of this king (such as in the illustration of HGC 7, 853). The wide space between the legends and Athena on the reverse is also indicative of the last two Cappadocian kings, so if it not Ariobarzanes, it would almost certainly be his successor, Ariarathes X. The undertype is almost certainly an eastern imitation of Athens, as the style of the elements visible are not consistent with official products of that city.