«СКІФСЬКІ» ЕМІСІЇ. CUI BONO?
‘SCYTHIAN’ EMISSIONS. CUI BONO?,

Summary/Abstract: This paper addresses two issues regarding the history of Scythian-Olbian relations: primarily, the ‘cui bono?’ question concerning the coin emissions bearing Scythian names, which were minted and cast in Olbia and Nikonion, and secondly, the identification of the numismatic figures APIX and EMINAKO from Olbia. The answers to these questions are based on a comparison with the historical context of the coinages of King Ateas and the much better-studied relations between the Athenian Archê and the poleis of the Thracian coast, which were under the control of the Odrysian dynasts. The chronological period under discussion spans the second half of the 5th century BC. The coins in question are proposed to represent the following: - these are poleis’ coins bearing the names of representatives of the Scythian royal dynasty; - these coins were minted at the initiative of the poleis; - the purpose of these emissions was to assert the poleis’ dependence on the Scythians, specifically for resolving certain situational foreign policy issues. The upper chronological limit for dating the coins of Scyles and Eminakos, as well as the year of Herodotus’ visit to Olbia, is suggested to be 445/444 BC. Undoubtedly, all these interpretations and hypotheses are presented as possible scenarios that complement the variety of perspectives, rather than dismissing or excluding other views on these issues.

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