Pontus. Mithradates VI. Pergamum. 89 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.85g, 12h). Callataÿ D47/R6.c (this coin); SNG Aarhus 387 (same dies). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a full flan. An outstanding coin of superb veristic style. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Emile Bourgey 1989 (21 April) lot 26; Jean Vinchon 1975 (2 December) lot 95; former Edouard Yervant Hindamian (1877-1958) collection, Pio Ciani & Jean Vinchon 1956 (6 February) lot 503; former Maxime Collignon (1849-1917) collection, Feuardent Frères 1919 (17 December) lot 298; former Athanasios Rhousopoulos (1823-1898) collection, Jacob Hirsch 1905 (13) lot 3215

Few leaders in history were as polarizing as Mithradates VI, admired for his intense determination and talents, but also detested for his many acts of cruelty. He was an effective, ambitious and ruthless ruler who sought to break Roman dominion over Asia and the Hellenic world. He has been called the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus. Cicero rated him better than the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and second only to Alexander III among the Greek kings. Due to his affinity for poison he has also been called The Poison King