(BC 63-52) Ariobarzanes II - Drachm

Ariobarzanes II Philopator, 63-52 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 3.80g, 12h). Mint A (Eusebeia-Mazaka). Dated RY 8 (55 BC). Diademed head right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΙΟΒΑΡZΑΝΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΥ, Athena Nikephoros standing left; H (date) in exergue. Good VF, iridescent toning. Rare in this condition.

Coins of Ariobarzanes II are rare in the Cappadocian series, and are typically found poorly struck or struck on poor metal. The engraving also usually appears to have been done in haste, perhaps reflecting his issues were struck in a time of expediency. His father’s coinage (Ariobarzanes I) was plentiful, and are the most common Cappadocian coins found today. It is possible that so much was in circulation during his son’s reign that Ariobarzanes II’s issues were relatively small.