Kings of Cappadocia, Ariarathes IV Eusebes (220-163 BC), Tetradrachm for the 50th Anniversary of his Kingdom, Dated regnal year MI/50; AR (g 16,17; mm 33; h 11); Diademed head r., Rv. ΒΑΣΙΛEΩΣ - ΑΡΙΑΡΑΘΟΥ - EVΣEBOVΣ, Athena Nikephoros standing l., resting hand on shield ornamented with Gorgoneion; transverse spear behind her; in field, monogram; in ex. MI. Simonetta, p. 23, pl. I,11 (for the type), and p. 12, pl. VII,8 (drachm believed to be a forgery); Simonetta, "Gazette Numismatique Suisse" 35, 1985, pp. 59-61 (official denial: the 50th Anniversary Drachm is genuine); Parthica 2007, Ar. IV 2/1 (this coin); BMC -; SNG Cop. Suppl. -.
Only two specimens known. An issue of tremendous interest and fascination, with an amazing Hellenistic portrait struck on a sound metal; large flan, with minor oxidations; good extremely fine.

From the Bono Simonetta Collection; ex LHS 95, 25 October 2005, lot 703.

This coin represents the Proof that the entire series is to be attributed to Ariarathes IV, who reigned 57 years, and not to Ariarathes V who reigned 33 years. On the whole matter see: Mørkholm, Some Cappaddocian Problems, NC, 1962, pp. 407 ss. and Simonetta, A proposito di alcune attribuzioni di monete dei re di Cappadocia proposte dal Dr. Mørkholm, RIN, 1970, pp. 45 ss.
Furthermore, on our coin it is clear an immeasurable stylistic difference between the obverse and the reverse, as if in order to depict Ariarathes on his 50th anniversary of reign, was hired an highly skilled Gemstone engraver, evidently not specialized in the creation of minting dies.