Lot 2 - Ancient Greece, Kingdom of the Bosporos. Asander (as King) AU Stater. Dated- RY 17 = 31/0 BC.

Ancient Greece, Kingdom of the Bosporos. Asander (as King) AU Stater. Dated- RY 17 = 31/0 BC. Diademed Head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΣANΔPOY, Nike standing left on prow, holding wreath and palm; ZI (date) in inner left field. MacDonald: 206, HGC 7-201. 3.84g. NGC Graded AU Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5; Brushed, slight bend. (6158066-006) Ex Roma Numismatics Sale XXIII (24/03/2022) lot 210 (Hammered £15000 + BP) Excessively Rare and only the second example to come to auction in the last two decades. The other example sold in an early Sincona Auction for a hammer price of CHF 22'000.Asander, once a general under Mithridates VI of Pontos played a vital role in the events following the demise of Mithridates around 47 BC. Amid the ensuing chaos, he declared himself the King of Bosporos. His reign can be characterised by his military acumen and political knowledge. Recognising the importance of aligning with Rome, the dominant force of the era, he forged an alliance that helped him secure his throne and maintain control over his kingdom. His rule, which spanned several decades, saw the Bosporan Kingdom grow in strength, a testament to his strategic vision. However, Asander's reign ended in tragedy and he died of starvation after a rebellion led by Scribonius, his life ended as it started, amid turmoil in the kingdom.