SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 16.

Description

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Seleucid Splendor: Antiochus IV Epiphanes Tetradrachm
Marvel at this impressive AR tetradrachm from the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC). Measuring 32mm and weighing 16.67 grams, this coin offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Seleucid Kingdom.
The obverse features a rejuvenated diademed head of Antiochus IV, with diadem ends adorned with stars. The AB monogram is visible in the left field, surrounded by a bead-and-reel border. The reverse depicts Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike in his outstretched right hand and a scepter in his left, with a palm branch in the outer left field and the MY monogram in the exergue. The inscription reads BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ANTIOXOY / ΘEOY / EΠIΦANOYΣ / NIKHΦOPOY, celebrating the divine and victorious king.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose name means “God Manifest,” was one of the most remarkable and controversial rulers of the Seleucid Empire. His reign was marked by ambitious military campaigns, significant cultural patronage, and profound political and religious upheaval. Known for his bold personality and eccentricities, Antiochus IV sought to consolidate and expand the empire, making significant incursions into Egypt and imposing Hellenistic culture throughout his territories.
One of the most infamous events of his reign was his attempt to Hellenize the Jewish population, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. His desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by placing a statue of Zeus within its sacred precincts and forbidding traditional Jewish practices sparked widespread rebellion, which is still remembered during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Antiochus IV was a patron of the arts and culture, as evidenced by the detailed craftsmanship of his coinage. The depiction of Zeus enthroned, holding Nike, symbolizes divine authority and military victory, while the regal portrait on the obverse highlights his rejuvenated and divine image.
**Specifications:**
- **Weight:** 16.67g
- **Diameter:** 32mm
- **Strike:** 12h
- **Condition:** NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 2/5, with scratches, graffiti, and brushed surfaces
- **Mint:** Ake, Antioch in Ptolemais, ca. 167-164 BC
- **Reference:** SC 1476.1f
SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 16.67 gm, 12h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 2/5, scratches, graffiti, brushed.
Ake, Antioch in Ptolemais, ca. 167-164 BC. Diademed head of Antiochus IV right, rejuvenated, diadem ends adorned with stars and falling straight behind; AB monogram in left field, bead-and-reel border / BA
Σ
I
Λ
E
ΩΣ
/ ANTIOXOY /
Θ
EOY / E
Π
I
Φ
ANOY
Σ
/ NIKH
Φ
OPOY, Zeus enthroned left, Nike right in outstretched right hand, scepter in left; palm upward in outer left field, MY monogram in exergue. SC 1476.1f.
For further information please call 212 3191077
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