Silver Tetradrachm of Philip I of the Seleucid Kingdom (about 2,100 years ago)
This silver tetradrachm was issued by King Philip I Philadelphus of the Seleucid Empire, who ruled between approximately 95-75 BCE during the kingdom's declining years. The Seleucid Kingdom was one of the major Hellenistic states that emerged following the death of Alexander the Great, covering territories from modern-day Turkey to Pakistan at its height. This particular coin represents the continuation of Greek monetary traditions in the increasingly fragmented Seleucid realm.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse likely displays the diademed (ribbon-crowned) portrait of King Philip I facing right, shown in the idealized Hellenistic style with possible attributes of divinity.
Back side: The reverse shows Zeus enthroned, holding Nike (the goddess of victory) in his extended hand, a traditional Seleucid design reflecting both Greek religious imagery and royal propaganda claims.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a large, high-value coin equal to four drachms)
Weight: Approximately 16-17 grams (standard for Seleucid tetradrachms)
Size: Approximately 30mm in diameter
Strike Quality: 5/5 (perfect strike quality with exceptional detail)
Surface Quality: 2/5 (indicates significant surface issues, possibly cleaning, corrosion, or wear)
Date of minting: Circa 95-75 BCE (late Seleucid period)
Historical Significance: Philip I ruled during the twilight years of the once-mighty Seleucid Empire. By this time, the kingdom had lost most of its eastern territories to the Parthians and was increasingly pressured by Roman expansion in the west. The exceptional strike quality of this coin reflects the continued technical ability of Seleucid mints despite political decline. As one of the last Seleucid monarchs, Philip's reign saw ongoing civil wars and territorial losses that would ultimately lead to the kingdom's absorption by Rome in 63 BCE.
This silver tetradrachm was issued by King Philip I Philadelphus of the Seleucid Empire, who ruled between approximately 95-75 BCE during the kingdom's declining years. The Seleucid Kingdom was one of the major Hellenistic states that emerged following the death of Alexander the Great, covering territories from modern-day Turkey to Pakistan at its height. This particular coin represents the continuation of Greek monetary traditions in the increasingly fragmented Seleucid realm.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse likely displays the diademed (ribbon-crowned) portrait of King Philip I facing right, shown in the idealized Hellenistic style with possible attributes of divinity.
Back side: The reverse shows Zeus enthroned, holding Nike (the goddess of victory) in his extended hand, a traditional Seleucid design reflecting both Greek religious imagery and royal propaganda claims.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a large, high-value coin equal to four drachms)
Weight: Approximately 16-17 grams (standard for Seleucid tetradrachms)
Size: Approximately 30mm in diameter
Strike Quality: 5/5 (perfect strike quality with exceptional detail)
Surface Quality: 2/5 (indicates significant surface issues, possibly cleaning, corrosion, or wear)
Date of minting: Circa 95-75 BCE (late Seleucid period)
Historical Significance: Philip I ruled during the twilight years of the once-mighty Seleucid Empire. By this time, the kingdom had lost most of its eastern territories to the Parthians and was increasingly pressured by Roman expansion in the west. The exceptional strike quality of this coin reflects the continued technical ability of Seleucid mints despite political decline. As one of the last Seleucid monarchs, Philip's reign saw ongoing civil wars and territorial losses that would ultimately lead to the kingdom's absorption by Rome in 63 BCE.
This silver tetradrachm was issued by King Philip I Philadelphus of the Seleucid Empire, who ruled between approximately 95-75 BCE during the kingdom's declining years. The Seleucid Kingdom was one of the major Hellenistic states that emerged following the death of Alexander the Great, covering territories from modern-day Turkey to Pakistan at its height. This particular coin represents the continuation of Greek monetary traditions in the increasingly fragmented Seleucid realm.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse likely displays the diademed (ribbon-crowned) portrait of King Philip I facing right, shown in the idealized Hellenistic style with possible attributes of divinity.
Back side: The reverse shows Zeus enthroned, holding Nike (the goddess of victory) in his extended hand, a traditional Seleucid design reflecting both Greek religious imagery and royal propaganda claims.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a large, high-value coin equal to four drachms)
Weight: Approximately 16-17 grams (standard for Seleucid tetradrachms)
Size: Approximately 30mm in diameter
Strike Quality: 5/5 (perfect strike quality with exceptional detail)
Surface Quality: 2/5 (indicates significant surface issues, possibly cleaning, corrosion, or wear)
Date of minting: Circa 95-75 BCE (late Seleucid period)
Historical Significance: Philip I ruled during the twilight years of the once-mighty Seleucid Empire. By this time, the kingdom had lost most of its eastern territories to the Parthians and was increasingly pressured by Roman expansion in the west. The exceptional strike quality of this coin reflects the continued technical ability of Seleucid mints despite political decline. As one of the last Seleucid monarchs, Philip's reign saw ongoing civil wars and territorial losses that would ultimately lead to the kingdom's absorption by Rome in 63 BCE.
