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Buy the Pontus, Amisus, Gorgon Type under Mithradates NGC Slab(NG) Coin Online
Here is a more impressive NGC-graded ancient bronze coins (AE22) from Pontus, Amisos, minted circa 85-65 BC during the reign of Mithradates VI Eupator—the legendary king who fiercely resisted Roman expansion in the Mithridatic Wars.These belong to the classic Gorgon/aegis type, one of the most iconic and symbolically charged issues from Amisos, the kingdom's key Black Sea mint and commercial hub.
Details of This Unique Coin:
The obverse (front) depicts the facing head of a Gorgon (Medusa/Gorgoneion) at the center of an aegis—the legendary goatskin shield of Athena (and sometimes Zeus), fringed with snakes and used as a protective talisman. The Gorgon's wild, snake-haired face stares directly outward, serving as an apotropaic (evil-averting) symbol to ward off enemies and misfortune. This design draws on deep Greek mythological roots while projecting divine protection and unyielding strength—perfect propaganda for Mithradates VI amid his wars against Rome.
The reverse (back) shows Nike (the winged goddess of victory) advancing right, holding a palm branch over her shoulder (symbolizing triumph), with the Greek ethnic ΑΜΙ-ΣΟΥ (AMI-SOY, "of Amisos") in the field, often accompanied by control monograms (mint official marks) to left and/or right.
Struck during the height of the Mithridatic Wars (especially the Third Mithridatic War era), these coins blend Hellenistic tradition with royal messaging: the Gorgon/aegis promises invincible protection, while Nike heralds impending victory. They were likely used both as everyday currency in the bustling port of Amisos and as subtle propaganda reinforcing Mithradates' image as a defender of Greek independence against Roman imperialism.