42 BC Cappadocia King Ariobarzanes III AR Silver Drachm Year 11 Last Year 3.84g For Sale

Item DescriptionHistorical Significance & ContextUp for sale is a historically vital Cappadocian Silver Drachm struck during the final, dramatic year of King Ariobarzanes III\'s reign (42 BC / Year 11).Known by his title \"Philoromaios\" (Friend of the Romans), Ariobarzanes III found himself caught in the crossfire of the Roman Republican civil wars. In 42 BC, because he refused to support Julius Caesar’s assassins, the Roman senator Gaius Cassius Longinus invaded Cappadocia, plundered its treasury, and executed the king. This coin represents the final issue struck before his execution, marking the definitive end of his decade-long rule.Coin Specifications

• Ruler: King Ariobarzanes III Eusebes Philoromaios (52–42 BC)
• Denomination: AR Drachm (Silver)
• Mint: Eusebeia under Mount Argaeus
• Date / Regnal Year: Year 11 (IA in exergue), struck in 42 BC (Last Year of Reign)
• Weight: 3.84 grams
• Diameter: 16 mm – 15.7 mm

Iconography & Design

• Obverse: Diademed and slightly bearded portrait of King Ariobarzanes III facing right.
• Reverse: Athena Nikephoros standing left, holding a small figure of Nike (who extends a wreath), holding a spear, and resting her left hand on a grounded shield.
• Control Marks: Features the iconic star-and-crescent moon motif in the inner left field and a monogram in the inner right field.
• Greek Inscription: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΙΟΒΑΡΖΑΝΟΥ ΕΥΣΕΒΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΟΡΩΜΑΙΟΥ (King Ariobarzanes, Pious and Friend of the Romans).

Recent Market & sale Benchmarks (Google AI search)Recent numismatic sales and sale values show a clear tier based on condition and preservation:

• Lower Grade / Fine Condition: Generally values between $55 and $70 USD. Coins in this tier usually exhibit heavy circulation wear, minor scratches, or weaker details on the portraits.
• Very Fine (VF) to Good VF: Typically ranges from $80 to $125 USD. A recent sale by Leu Numismatik AG realized 110 CHF (approx. $125 USD) for a Year 11 (IA) Drachm in Good Very Fine condition featuring the distinct bearded portrait.
• Choice Extremely Fine (XF) / Retail Premium: Highly preserved raw specimens or graded coins sold through specialized dealers can fetch $140 to $180+ USD. Retail outlets like VCoins inventory premium examples of Ariobarzanes III drachms in this higher range.