Greek coins - Tetradrachm of Ariarathes VI (D22137)

Kings of Cappadocia, Ariarathes VI Epiphanes Philopator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Antiochos VII Euergetes (Sidetes). Mint A, circa 114/3-109/8 BC. Diademed head of Antiochos VII to right / Athena Nikephoros standing to left, resting hand on shield and spear under arm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟY to right, EYEPΓETOY to left, monogram above A in outer left field; all within wreath. Krengel Series 2; Krengel & Lorber -, cf. 419-420 (A47/P-); for prototype, cf. HGC 9, 1068 (Antiochos VII). 16.39g, 27 mm, very fine

This discovery conclusively showed that this coinage in the name of Antiochos VII was actually a posthumous issue struck under the Cappadocian king. Further analysis of other issues in the name of Antiochos VII, of similar Antioch mint style, have shown that they are control-mark linked to issues of Ariarathes VII and other Cappadocian kings. Thus, these posthumous Antiochos VII issues constitute the vast majority of tetradrachms issued by the Cappadocian Kingdom. While the attribution of these coins to Cappadocia is now settled, their purpose, time of introduction, and the reason they employ the types of Antiochos VII are not certain. Ariarathes VI Epiphanes Philopator (Ancient Greek: Ἀριαράθης Ἐπιφανής Φιλοπάτωρ, Ariaráthēs Epiphanḗs Philopátōr; reigned 130–116 BC or 126 BC–111 BC), King of Cappadocia, was the youngest son of Ariarathes V of Cappadocia and Nysa of Cappadocia. He reigned about 14 years (130–116 BC).