Syria, King Antiochos IV (175-164 BC), Tetradrachm, 16.4 gms., mint of Antioch, 167 BC, laureate head of Zeus Olympios Nikephoros right, rev. Statue of Zeus Olympios Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike and scepter, legend in field and exergue (Houghton CSE 107; Newell SMA 63), extremely fine, rare, fine style

Details
Syria, King Antiochos IV (175-164 BC), Tetradrachm, 16.4 gms., mint of Antioch, 167 BC, laureate head of Zeus Olympios Nikephoros right, rev. Statue of Zeus Olympios Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike and scepter, legend in field and exergue (Houghton CSE 107; Newell SMA 63), extremely fine, rare, fine style

Lot Essay

The principal subject of this non-royal portrait issue is Zeus Olympios Nikephoros, the chief divinity of the Seleukid Kingdom at the time. On the obverse his bearded and wreathed bust is shown (the style of this example represents the finest of the issue). The reverse shows a complete seated statue, most certainly representing the massive work near Antioch, constructed in the likeness of Phidias' famous chryselephantine statue at Olympia. This brief and remarkable coinage was struck in conjuction with the great festivities held by Antiochos IV at Antioch on returning from his Egyptian campaign.