Lot 2127
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator. Silver Tetradrachm (16.89 g), 312-281 BC. Susa, ca. 303/2 BC. Head of hero right (assimilating Seleukos I, Alexander the Great and Dionysos), wearing helmet covered with panther's skin and adorned with bull's horns and ears. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY, Nike standing right, crowning trophy with wreath; below each wing, monogram. SC 173.4; ESM 426; cf. ESMS Tr.7 (A4/P-; rev. die not recorded); HGC 9, 20. A splendid example, one of the nicest we have seen. Superb and boldly struck on excellent metal. NGC grade AU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimate Value $6,000 - 7,000
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection. Ex CNG 88 (14 September 2011), 451.
Although Seleukos's trophy coinage from Susa was inaugurated ca. 305 BC, Kritt in The Early Seleucid Mint of Susa shows that this particular variety, ESM 426, along with ESM 424, was struck on a massive scale ca. 303/2 BC to finance Seleukos' western campaign against Antigonos Monopthalmos and to provide defense of his eastern flank in Persis. The reverse commemorates Seleukos' victories in the Upper Satrapies and his subsequent assumption of the royal title ca. 305/4 BC.
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| Realized $3,878 |
