QUESTION OF ATTRIBUTION OF THE COINS WITH THE EFFIGY OF HELIOS ON OBVERSE ISSUED IN BOSPHORUS AND CHERSONESUS

Abstract

The study of the antiquities of the ancient Northern Black Sea region has been going on for more than one century. The objects of research were not only written sources, but also archaeological artifacts found during the excavations. Lapidary monuments are actively studied, as well as ancient seals and coins. Moreover, coins are the most numerous and, sometimes, the only sources of historical information. However, their research is unlikely to be considered complete. It is not only about the latest coins, the attribution of which is difficult because of the extremely stylized image of them and numerous errors in the inscriptions. The definitions of coins issued during one of the most studied periods in the history of the region, under the rule of Mithridates VI Eupator Dionysus, are still not clear. Taking this circumstance into account, the objects to be studied were coins issued at the end of the 2nd c. BCE. Their distinguishing feature is the presence of Helios on the obverse. Such coins were minted in Gorgippia, in Chersonesus, and they were struck by king Saumakos. The appearance of the same type of image on the obverse cannot be accidental. We believe that Gorgippia, Chersonesus and king Saumakos voluntarily recognized the authority of Mithridates VI Eupator Dionysus. A sign of respect for this sovereign was the placement on the coins of the image of a deity revered on the southern coast of Pontus. The order of receipt of these coins in circulation is also interesting. We believe that they were not struck at the same time. The first coins with Helios were minted in Gorgippia. No wonder they were drachmas – relatively large, but at the same time, the usual money for the population. We believe that the issue of the coins of Gorgippia testifies to the withdrawal of this city from the Kingdom of Bosphorus. Gorgippia for a time became an independent state and made an alliance with the Kingdom of Pontus. Thus it is not accidental that Gorgippia issued own silver coins. After the first campaign of Diophantus, coins with the image of Helios on obverse started to be issued in Chersonesus. But they were minted not from silver, but from bronze. The reality is that during this period money of base metals circulated in Chersonesus. And the coins with the image of Helios had the function of political manifestation. Soon a military coup occurred in Panticapaeum, and Saumakos began minting coins with the image of Helios on obverse. Most likely, he was a representative of the local barbarian aristocracy. With the connivance of the Pontians, Saumakos hoped to usurp the throne of Bosporus. He was supported by the inhabitants of the largest cities of Bosporus: Panticapaeum, Phanagoria and Theodosia. And it was not accidental. The elites of these cities were interested in the preservation and development of trade relations with the barbarians. They also wanted to preserve the integrity of the Bosporan State. So it is not by chance that Saumakos minted his silver coins. There is every reason to believe that they were claimed as means of payment. Especially since the symbols typical for the coinage of Panticapaeum – the “bull”, and Phanagoria – the “pomegranate flower”, are placed on them. It is possible that coins with them were issued in these cities. Saumakos and his supporters were defeated. But before that, a part of the elite of the Bosporan cities reached a consensus with the king of Pontus. We judge by the fact that the inhabitants of Phanagoria did not support him in the fight against Diophantus and were neutral to the appointment of Mithridates the Junior as the governor of the Bosporus. The study of coins with the image of Helios on obverse made it possible to trace the stages of the formation of the Pontic protectorate in Taurica and in the northern Black Sea Region. It made it possible to clarify our understanding of the course of events at late 2nd-early 1st cc. BCE.