Description
Antiochus IV Epiphanes
Syria Tetradrachm 175-164 BC
Hellenistic Greek king from the Seleucid Empire
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (c. 215–164 BCE) was a Hellenistic Greek king of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from 175 BCE until his death. He was the son of King Antiochus III the Great and ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, Seleucus IV Philopator.
Known for his ambitious and often aggressive policies, Antiochus IV sought to expand his empire’s influence, particularly in the regions of Egypt and Judea. His epithet “Epiphanes” means “God Manifest,” reflecting his efforts to promote a divine status for himself.
One of the most significant aspects of his reign was his attempt to Hellenize the Jewish population in Judea. He imposed Greek culture and religion, outlawing Jewish religious practices and desecrating the Second Temple in Jerusalem by installing an altar to Zeus.
These actions led to widespread unrest and ultimately sparked the Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BCE). The revolt was a critical moment in Jewish history, leading to the restoration of Jewish worship in the temple and the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty.
Antiochus IV’s policies and the resistance they provoked had lasting religious and cultural impacts, including the origins of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which celebrates the temple’s rededication.
OBV: Laureate head of Apollo right
Rev: BASILEWS ANTIOCOU QEOU EPIPHANOUS NIKHFOROU, “Of King Antiochus, God Manifest, Bringer of Victory.” Apollo is standing right, holding a phiale in his right hand and a lyre in his left arm.
Diameter: 28 mm
Material: Silver plated lead free pewter
Made in the USA
Packaged in a coin collecting flip with the description of the coin printed on the flip insert.
Ariel (verified owner) –
Beautiful copy (looks better then pictured) of a very rare original. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo r. Rx: Sculpture of Apollo Citharoedus created by the artist Bryaxis wearing a long peplos, advancing r. playing lyre and holding patera; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY ΘEOY to r., EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKHΦOPOY to l.This wonderful coin was one of the two commemorative coins struck for the Panhellenic festival that Antiochus IV created to compete with the festival the Romans were carrying on. The festival lasted about 30 days and had many parades, dinners, and athletic events. This coin depicts a real statue of Apollo that was shown at the games. This coin with head of Apollo on obverse is considerably rarer than its companion piece showing head of Zeus, so may be considered one of the most desirable coins issued by the Seleucid kings. Many thanks!