Ancient Kings of Cappadocia 96-63 BC Ariobarzanes Philoromaios Silver Drachm EF-AU (EF45)

Ancient Kings of Cappadocia 96-63 BC Ariobarzanes Philoromaios Silver Drachm EF-AU (EF45)

Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios was king of Cappadocia (located in modern day Turkey) from 95 to 63 BC and a steadfast ally of the Roman Republic, as reflected in his epithet Philoromaios (“friend of the Romans”). His reign was marked by repeated displacement from his throne by forces aligned with Mithridates VI and Tigranes the Great, requiring several restorations through Roman military intervention. Despite this instability, Ariobarzanes remained loyal to Rome, and his rule ultimately helped secure Cappadocia as a key client kingdom within Rome’s eastern sphere of influence.

Obverse: DIademed head of Ariobarzanes facing right.
Reverse: Athena standing facing left, holding Nike, with a spear and shield resting on the ground to the right.

Specifications:
Issuer: Kings of Cappadokia
King: Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios (94BC - 63BC)
Compostition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 4 g
Diameter: Approx. 17 mm
Edge: Rough