Mithradates Vl: Scourge Of The Republic

It looks good with the portrait coming out of the green.

If you think that looks stylised, you must cringe at the coins of the contemporaneous rulers also apparently called 'Mithradates the Great' - the Parthians Mithradates I (165-132BC) and Mithradates II (124-91BC). Here's one from a successor at the cartoonish peak.

Phraates IV Drachm, 37-2BC

Mithradatkart. Silver, 21mm, 4.2g. Diademed bust left, wart on forehead; behind, eagle flying left, crowning Phraates with wreath. Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow (Sellwood 52.32-3 var).

Nice coins everyone, now I have a reason to post my latest acquisition.

L Cornelius Sulla & L Malius AR Denarius. 82 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, L MANLI PROQ / Triumphator in quadriga right, crowned by Victory, L SVLLA IMP in ex. Syd 757, Cr367/5. Notes: bankers Mark on cheek


First time I was introduced to Sulla was from a 2000 something mini series Julius Caesar. The film depicted him as insane tyrant. However, my views (and many historians) have changed and are least mixed about him.

Citing from from (interesting read):https://coins.www.collectors-societ...px?sc=348049


... Even while Rome outlasted its enemies in the Social War, another crisis brewed. To the east, Pontic King Mithridates VI planned and plotted his realm's expansion. In a shocking development, Pontus launched a highly orchestrated massacre of many thousands of Roman men, women, and children residing throughout Asia Minor. Rome sought revenge, and Sulla was the Senate's logical appointee for the task. However, Sulla's military and political mentor-turned-rival, Gaius Marius, preferred his own glorification, and managed a popular assembly's override of the Senate's decision. The political unrest spawned violent protests and rioting, even within the Forum, the very center of Roman public life. Sulla, who had a long history with Marius, decided that Pontus could wait. He mustered his available forces (six formidable legions) and marched against Rome. It was the first time that a Roman general had ever stormed the Eternal City. The forces supporting Sulla (mostly the optimates, or "best men," who championed oligarchic rule) battled those favoring Marius (mainly the populares, who preferred power via popular assemblies). Sulla's battle-hardened forces proved stronger, and Marius barely managed to escape. Sulla proceeded to establish his power over Rome, at least to the extent he re-established the Senate's authority.

Having stabilized the situation in Rome, Sulla turned his earnest attention to Mithridates. He rallied his troops and merged them with Rome's remaining eastern forces to wage the First Mithridatic War. For further support, Sulla also called upon the realm of Bithynia, whose ruler, King Nicomedes IV, had developed the habit of giving up his throne to Pontus, then seeking Rome's assistance to regain it. Sulla and his Bithynian allies waged several epic battles against Mithridates' forces; of particular note was a brutal siege of Athens. By 85 BC, Mithridates was forced to surrender his control over Greek territories, not to mention a large portion of his own personal wealth.

Absolutely fascinating historical background, travelcoin...and an awesome Republican denarius. It's a bit chilling to read Sulla's name on the reverse. Bloody times!

Hee-hee! C'mon, Bob. Banging your head against a series of brick walls is not gonna be good for your health. Besides...beauty IS in the eyes of the beholder. Parthian portraits do have their attraction...warts and all!