Object Description
Syria, Ca. 246-226 BC
Seleucid Kingdom, Seleukos II Callinicus Ar. tetradrachm, Syria. Diademed head of Seleucus II right. Rev. BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ; Apollo standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod, AN monogram in outer right field. SC 727.2. Accompanied by original Spink label.
Seleucus II was proclaimed king by his mother Laodice following the death of his father Antiochus II in 246 BC. His reign was a time of political turmoil and fragmentation that included the defeat of Seleucid forces in the 3rd Syrian War and the secession of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom in 250-239/8 BC.
In contrast to the Ptolemies, who issued silver coinage featuring Ptolemy I on the obverse, the Seleucid kings generally minted the image of the reigning king on their issues, along with their tutelary deity Apollo on the reverse.
For additional information see:
Thonemann, P., 2016. The Hellenistic World: Using Coins as Sources. Cambridge.
Size: D: 31mm ; 16.82g