KINGS OF BOSPORUS. Sauromates II, with Septimius Severus, circa 174/5-210/1. 2 Denarii (Orichalcum, 25 mm, 10.00 g, 6 h). BACIΛЄⲰC CAYPOMATOY Diademed and draped bust of Sauromates II to right. Rev. Aphrodite seated left, holding golden apple in her right hand and long scepter in her left; in fields, B - ✱ (mark of value); above to left, laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Anokhin 623. MacDonald 547. An unusually attractive example, well struck and with exceptional reverse details. Good very fine.

The might of the Bosporan Kingdom reached its peak under Sauromates II, who defeated the dreaded Scythians and Tauri with the help of Roman troops. What makes the present coin particularly interesting is the denomination mark B - ✱ = 2 denarii: as the metal value was much lower, this overvalued the issue significantly and perhaps points toward increased financial burden imposed on the Kingdom in times of war. On the other hand, style and fabric show great care in the production process and surpass most other Bosporan emissions in Roman times