Kings of Skythia, Skyles
Nikonion mint
Circa 465-447/5 BCE
Æ 11mm, 1.67g, 8h
Owl standing left, head facing /
Large ΣK
Peykov G0030; Anokhin 571; HGC 3, –
Nikonion was an ancient city located in what is today Ukraine. The ruins are still extant, though partially submerged. It was founded sometime in the 5th century BCE, but was destroyed in 334 BCE by Zopyrion, a general under Alexander the Great who tried to conquer Olbia but failed.
The city was then rebuilt and flourished for a period, then was finally abandoned in the 3rd century CE when goths invaded. Coins from the King Skyles have been found in Nikonion, indicating they likely were minted there.
334 BCE
Nikonion is destroyed by Zopyrion