SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Seleukos III Soter (Keraunos), 225-222 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 30 mm, 16.78 g, 10 h), Ekbatana. Diademed head of Seleukos III to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; to outer left, monogram above horse head to left; to outer right, monogram. CSE 1159 = ESM 571 = SC pl. 47, 944 (same obverse die). Extremely rare, apparently the second and finest known example. Nicely toned and with a very attractive portrait. Very fine.


From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, ex Leu 36, 7-8 May 1985, 182 and Münzen & Medaillen AG VIII, 8 December 1949, 860.

The silver coinage of Seleukos III from Ekbatana consists of both a portrait issue as well as of Alexander type tetradrachms. All of these coins are extremely rare, with our piece being only the second known portrait tetradrachm.