Kings of Thrace, Mostis Extremely Rare AR Tetradrachm 135-85 BC Ancient Greek Silver Coin Museum Reproduction CSGT0081

Mostis appears to have been King of the Caeni (Καινοί) who inhabited the northern littoral of the Propontis between Bisanthe, a Samian colony, and Perinthos. The dating of his coins in the last quarter of the 2nd and the early 1st c. BC is based on the historical events in Thrace and the Propontis in that period of time. After the end of the Kingdom of Pergamon 133 BC the Romans allocated the Thracian Chersonesos and the Thracian coast to the province of Macedonia. However, they were not able to attain complete control of the region. Although several tribes from the western parts of Thrace were allies to Rome, a large portion of the thracians supported Mithradates VI of Pontos. Only after the victory of Sullas over Mithridates 86 BC did the Romans subdue Thrace completely. The reign of Mostis lies very probably in the period from 133 to 86 BC. The regnal years on his tetradrachms indicate that it lasted at least 38 years. [M. Sayar, 1992]

DESIGN:
Obverse side
Diademed and draped bust of Mostis right
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse side
Athena wearing helmet chiton and peplos, seated left on throne, against which leans shield with Gorgoneion face; she holds in her right hand Nike left, crowning king’s name; her left hand rests on seat; MK monogram over her knees;
Legend:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ downward to right, ΜΟΣΤΙΔΟΣ downward to left, EΠI ΣAΔAΛOY // and date ΕΤΟΥΣ [ΕΔ??] in exergue

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