Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Cappadocian Kingdom. Ariarathes V. 163-130 BC. Tetradrachm, 15.89g. (12h). , Year 30=133 BC. Obv: Diademed head of Ariarathes V right. Rx: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ on right, ΑPIAPAΘΟΥ on left, ΕΥΣΕΒΟΥΣ in exergue, Athena standing left holding spear and shield resting on the ground behind her, and Nike before her who crowns the king's name; A and two monograms in upper fields; date Λ in second line in exergue. Simonetta, p. 23, no. 2, pl. I, 12 ("Ariarathes IV"), reattributed to Ariarathes V by O. Morkholm, NC 1962, pp. 408-9. VF.
Ariarathes V had an eventful life and reign. He was the grandson of the Seleucid ruler Antiochos III, but nevertheless had trouble with Demetrius I who promoted the Cappadocian usurper Orophernes. Eventually Ariarathes got the support of the Romans and was reinstituted as king of Cappadocia. He was married to Nysa, a daughter of Pharnaces I of Pontus, who formed a plot against her husband and their children; five of her six sons were then murdered. The only one to survive, Ariarathes VI, was to become the next king of Cappadocia.
Ariarathes V had an eventful life and reign. He was the grandson of the Seleucid ruler Antiochos III, but nevertheless had trouble with Demetrius I who promoted the Cappadocian usurper Orophernes. Eventually Ariarathes got the support of the Romans and was reinstituted as king of Cappadocia. He was married to Nysa, a daughter of Pharnaces I of Pontus, who formed a plot against her husband and their children; five of her six sons were then murdered. The only one to survive, Ariarathes VI, was to become the next king of Cappadocia.