KINGS OF COMMAGENE. Mithradates II, circa 34-20 BC. Octachalkon (Bronze, 22 mm, 15.55 g, 1 h), struck in the name of Antiochos I Theos and Mithradates II, Samosata. [BA MΕΓ ANT]IOXOY (?) Draped bust of Antiochos I to right, wearing five-pointed tiara tied with a diadem. Rev. BA [MΕΓA MIΘPAΔ] - MIΘPAΔ Zebu bull butting right. Alram 247 corr. (die break described as 'spear'). Bedoukian, Commagene, -. Kovacs 229 corr. (die break described as 'spear'). RPC I -. G. Staab: Ehrung und Königsdesignation Mithradates' II. von Kommagene durch seinen Vater Antiochos I. auf dem Nemrud Dağı, in: Epigraphika Anatolica 44 (2011), p. 63-66 corr. (die break described as 'spear'). Extremely rare and among the best of very few known examples. With the usual die breaks, otherwise, about very fine.


The coinage of Mithradates II is still quite problematic. Staab knew of only six examples, all of which are in poor condition and prevent a full reading of the legends. This makes the type hard to interpret: was it struck during a joint rule of Antiochos I and his son, or is it a commemorative issue of the latter for his deceased father? While this question remains unanswered for the time being, our example at least confirms the ending of the reverse legend on MIΘPAΔ. We can only hope that future examples will allow a complete reading of both the obverse and the reverse, while pointing out that the alleged spear held by Antiochos I on the obverse is certainly just a die break.