Bithynian Kingdom. Nikomedes IV Philopator. Silver Tetradrachm (16.52 g). Ca. 94-74 BC. Dated BE 210 (88/7 BC). Diademed head of Nikomedes IV right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKOMHΔOY Zeus standing facing, head left, holding wreath and scepter; before - eagle standing on thunderbolt above magistrate's monogram and date (ZQP). Callataÿ p. 64; DCA 445. Extremely rare date. Minor deposits in field and some reverse scratches. Excellent portrait. Very Fine. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
In 88 B.C., Mithradates VI of Pontos destroyed the Bithynian army, forcing Nikomedes IV to flee to Italy. His throne was restored to him four years later when Rome defeated Mithradates in 84 B.C. Waddington, Recueil General, pp 217-8, notes "it is difficult to explain the very rare coins that bear the dates IC, AIC, BIC. These dates correspond to 89/8 to 87/6 BC; but between mid-88 and the end of 83, the whole of Bithynia was in the hands of Mithradates Eupator. We are forced to conjecture (no text says so) that during this period several fortified places in Bithynia remained faithful to the legitimate king and continued to strike coins in his name."