Amisus   Pontus
Αμισός    Πόντος

AE 30

SHH 5634

Mo 44 Mo 89a

Parameter Obverse Reverse Notes Reference Acquired

17.61 g   29.0-30.8 mm  2.9 eqmm  1:00 o'clock   VF   centering - / - σmax(SigmaTest, 240 Hz) = 7.0 MS/m Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet. Perseus standing facing, holding head of Medusa and harpa; decapidated body of Medusa below; ΑΜΙ / ΣΟΥ on either side, monogramm below inscription. The reverse of this coin depicts two figures from the legend of Medusa, who was once a beautiful young maiden who dared to challenge Athena's beauty. As punishment for her impiety, Medusa’s hair was turned into hissing serpents and condemned to turn every living thing which gazed upon her to turn to stone. Perseus, son of Zeus and the mortal Danae, was given the task of slaying this monster. He was aided, in part, by Athena who gave her shield to him for the task. In the context of the period which this coin is from, Perseus and Medusa could be representations of Mithradates VI and Rome, respectively. [Seller] BM Black Sea 1166/1176 (85-65 BC); de Calatay Pl XLVIII.F; Copenhagen IV 136/137 (time of Mithradates Eupator 120-63 BC); Lindgren II 23/24; Sear Greek 3637 (late 2nd - early 1st c. BC, time of Mithradates); Stancomb 683/686 (85-65 BC) 7.2.2014