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Description

Cappadocian Kingdom. Ariobarzanes I, 96-63 BC. AR Drachm (3.91 g) dated Year 22 (74/3 BC). Diademed bust right of Ariobarzanes I. Reverse: Athena standing left, holding Nike; all within filleted border. Simonetta 30b; SNG Cop Supplement, 941 (these dies). Extremely rare and important; Extremely Fine.

Of the few known examples of this coin with reverse filleted border, one is known in the Simonetta collection, as well as one in the ANS, the Danish National Museum and the Cabinet des Médailles. This extremely rare reverse type with filleted border was probably issued in commemoration of Ariobarzanes I's restoration to the throne by Lucullus. It is the key drachm to the Cappadocian series.

Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.