Lot 4088
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos III, Keraunos, 226-223 BC. Gold Oktadrachm (34.15g) minted at Antioch, ca. 226. Diademed head right of Seleukos III. Reverse: [B]AΣIΛEΩΣ [Σ]EΛE - YKOY. Apollo seated left on omphalos, examining arrow in his right hand, resting left on grounded bow; to left and right, monograms. Cox, ANSMN XII, pl. XXI, 4; cf. WSM 1029ρ-φ (silver tetradrachms from same obverse die); Seleucid Coins, pl. 45.920; Antioche de Syrie 4 and 80, dies A1-P3 and A5-P55. A few surface scuffs on the obverse. Extremely Fine.
One of two known, the second example in the Archaeological Museum, Ankara. Each from Gordian Hoard VII, and each struck from tetradrachm dies. A coin of great numismatic importance.
Newell hypothesized that this issue was struck to finance preparations for the planned reconquest of the Seleukid provinces in Asia Minor that had been lost by Antiochos, Hierax to Attalos I of Pergamon. In view of the exceptional character of gold at this period, it may not be farfetched to regard this remarkable oktadrachm as created as an accession donative.
Unlike the Ptolemaic Egyptian series, all large Seleukid gold is very rare, and specimens are seldom offered for sale. This handsome oktadrachm, struck from tetradrachm dies, was issued at Antioch under Seleukos III, Keraunos (the Thunderbolt), the elder son of Seleukos II and Laodike II. He came to the throne in his late teens on the death of his father in a hunting accident in 226 BC. Seleukos III inherited a chaotic situation in which the Seleukid kingdom seemed headed for disintegration. Whether he would have been equal to the task of reestablishing the regal authority we shall never know, as he fell victim to two of his own officers after a reign of only three years. Fortunately, his younger brother Antiochos (later Antiochos III, the Great) was able to take possession of his inheritance and to restore the fortunes of the kingdom. On his coinage, Seleukos III reverted to the traditional dynastic reverse of Apollo seated on the omphalos, the navel stone of the earth. His father, Seleukos II, had introduced an elegant standing figure of the god resting on a tall tripod but his sons abandoned this innovative design.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
The Hunter Collection; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXV, November 29, 1990, lot 209.
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| Realized $207,000 |
