KINGS OF ARMENIA MINOR. Aristobulus, 54-71/2. Oktachalkon (Bronze, 26 mm, 11.72 g, 12 h), with Nero (54-68). Chalcis (?), RY 13 = 66/7. BACIΛEΩC APICTOBOYΛOY ET IΓ Diademed and draped bust of Aristobulus to left. Rev. NEPΩ/NI KΛAY/ΔIΩ KAIΣA/PI / ΣEBAΣTΩ / ΓEPMANI/KΩ within laurel wreath. Kovacs 299. RPC I 3839 corr. (date). Very rare and undoubtedly among the finest known examples. A magnificent, very well struck and beautifully patinated piece with a splendid portrait. Good very fine.


Aristobulus is certainly among the most fascinating of the numerous 1st century Roman client kings. Born the son of Herod of Chalcis and the great-grandson of Herod the Great, and appointed by Nero to King of Armenia Minor in 54, his life is closely entwined with Roman, Jewish and Armenian history. The most famous event in his life, however, revolves around the infamous Jewish princess Salome, whom Aristobulus married in 34 (for a longer note on Salome, see below, lot 1355).