KINGS OF SKYTHIA. Charaspes, 3rd-2nd centuries BC. AE (Bronze, 19 mm, 5.37 g, 1 h), Mesembria. Diademed female head to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - XΑΡΑΣΠΟΥ Kithara; below, monogram of ME. HGC 3, 2024. Peykov G2020. SNG Stancomb -. Very rare. Patina stripped, otherwise, very fine.


The coinage of Charaspes is usually attributed to an uncertain mint, although Tomis and Aphrodisias in Skythia have been suggested (HGC 3, p. 299). However, the addition of a ligate ME on all the reverses as well as stylistic comparison of the present issue in particular to the civic coinage of the city clearly point towards Mesembria as the main mint of the Skythian King.