Seleukid Kings of Syria, Seleukos I Nikator Silver Strike of AV (Gold) Stater Circa 287 BC Ancient Greek Coin Museum Reproduction CSGDS0035

Unlike most Seleucid kings, Seleucus I struck a very large quantity of gold coins. However, the vast majority was issued in the name of Alexander III, and employed his familiar design that paired the helmeted head of Athena with Nike holding a wreath and stylis. To those we may add a significantly smaller group of staters bearing that same design, but issued in the name of Seleucus. Beyond these, there are three extraordinary rarities: distaters of the Alexandrine type bearing the name of Seleucus, darics and double-darics bearing on their obverse a portrait of Alexander III in elephant scalp and on their reverse a standing Nike, and staters with the laureate head of Apollo and a biga of elephants driven by Artemis, who draws an arrow in her bow. The latter type, offered here, is currently known by issues from Susa and from an uncertain mint in Bactria. The Bactrian issue – though fascinating and of historical interest – is of a rustic style in comparison with the Susa issue, which is struck with an obverse die engraved in excellent Greek style. The example offered here shares the obverse die of the other recorded example from Susa, though it was struck with a different reverse die. The previously known example has in its fields the letter K and a spearhead, whereas the present coin has a horizontal anchor, a bee, and the letters IΣ (all of which are known, separately, from other Seleucus I issues of Susa).

DESIGN:
Obverse side
Laureate head of Apollo right
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse side
Artemis about to shoot arrow in elephant biga right; above, horizontal anchor and in lower left field, IΣ / bee
Legend:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY (off flan)

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.