Cappadocian Kingdom. Ariarathes VII. 107/6-101/0 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.20g. (11h). Mint A, c. 107/6-104/3 BC. Obv: Diademed head of Ariarathes VII right. Fillet border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΙΑΡΑΘΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΜΗΤΟΡΟΣ Athena standing left, resting left hand on shield and with spear leaning against left arm, holding in right hand Nike who faces her, crowning the royal epithet. In the inner field, Ο-Λ. In outer left field, monogram above Α. All in laurel wreath. Houghton & Lorber, NC 166 (2006), p. 65, nos. 3-9, pl. 15 (issue 1, A3/P2), same dies. Krengel, SNR 90 (2011), p. 55, pl. 4, 48 (same dies). For dating the reign of Ariarathes VII, see now Krengel, op. cit., pp. 33-78. A piece of exceptional quality. EF.
This coin is part of a small regular Cappadocian issue among the vast pseudo-Seleucid coinage of the Cappadocian kingdom. Ariarathes VII also issued tetradrachms in the name and with the portrait of Antiochos VII that are linked to our coin by issue marks, fabric, and style.