Description
Antiochos IV Epiphanes, Syria 175-164 BC. AR Tetradrachm
Hellenistic Period Greek Coinage
OBV: Laureate head of Apollo right
Rev: BASILEWS ANTIOCOU QEOU EPIPHANOUS NIKHFOROU, Apollo standing right, holding phiale in right hand, lyre in left arm.
Diameter: 28 mm
Silver plated pewter
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!