KINGS OF PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator, circa 120-63 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 3.50 g, 12 h), Pergamon, year 202 of the Bithyno-Pontic era = 96/5 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates VI to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - EYΠATOPOΣ / ΒΣ Stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent (pontic royal badge); in exergue, monogram; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ p. 28 and pl. I. RG p. 14, 10. SNG Paris 791. SNG von Aulock 6684. Extremely rare. Some horn silver and with minor traces of corrosion and light deposits, otherwise, about very fine.



Unlike the tetradrachms, Eupator's drachms are extremely rare. It’s clear that this denomination was minted in only very small quantities, with the emphasis placed on the much larger tetradrachms, which were likely used primarily to pay soldiers.