Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Seleucid Kingdom. Antiochus IV. 175-164 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.71g. (12h). Antioch. Syria, 166 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right. Fillet border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ Apollo Citharoedus, robed, standing right, holding cithara in left arm and patera in right hand. SC 1401. Le Rider, Antioche, p. 217, 552-561, pl. 25, 12-16. Gulbenkian Coll. 1040. Only about fifteen specimens of this spectacular issue are recorded. Choice EF.
A spectacular, and extremely rare coin issued for the panhellenic festival celebrated in the sanctuary of Apollo at Daphne, near Antioch, in 166 BC, late in Antiochus' reign. Antiochus is known for his failures rather than for his achievements:his unsuccessful attempt to conquer of Ptolemaic Egypt and his lost war against the Maccabean rebels in Judaea. However, Antiochus IV was a devoted patron of Greek culture abroad as well as in his realm, sponsoring temples in Athens and elsewhere. The celebration at Daphne was the last major demonstration of his ambitions, and the nearly classical beauty of the coins issued on this occasion does justice to them.
A spectacular, and extremely rare coin issued for the panhellenic festival celebrated in the sanctuary of Apollo at Daphne, near Antioch, in 166 BC, late in Antiochus' reign. Antiochus is known for his failures rather than for his achievements:his unsuccessful attempt to conquer of Ptolemaic Egypt and his lost war against the Maccabean rebels in Judaea. However, Antiochus IV was a devoted patron of Greek culture abroad as well as in his realm, sponsoring temples in Athens and elsewhere. The celebration at Daphne was the last major demonstration of his ambitions, and the nearly classical beauty of the coins issued on this occasion does justice to them.