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Abstract. The object of study is the early coins of the Bosporus depicting the head of a lion and an ant on the obverse. They are well-known, but the discussion on the dates of their appearance in circulation is still ongoing. The fact is that while studying them, it is usual to pay attention only to the design of the reverse. However, as a rule, it is rather primitive. The reason for this is the size of coins. Indeed, usually they are very small and lightweight. In this circumstance we tried to examine the figures on their faces. As a result, it appeared that the ideas of obverse could not be borrowed in Ionia. The images of animals on small coins were executed much more casually. However, on the coins we studied the images were elaborated anatomically correctly, even small details were well-presented. We insist that the mentioned above Bosporus series were decorated with images of sacred animals from Scythia. This is confirmed by the very method of transmitting images of creatures. Their images are made in a style similar to Ziwiye. We conclude that during the series of coins with the head of a lion and an ant on the obverse, Bosporan cities were guided by trade with the Scythians. It is possible that they were dependant on them. However, the style of coins changed over time. We believe that this case indicates a change in the status of Bosporan cities. By uniting they were able to exempt themselves from dependence.
Keywords: history, archeology, Bosporus, numismatics, Scythians.