Seleukid Empire, Demetrios I Soter, AE Serrate, Circa 162-150 BC, Antioch on the Orontes Mint, Artemis / Bow and Quiver

$33.00

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SKU: G10.19 Categories: ,

Description

Greek, Seleukid Empire, Demetrios I Soter, 162-150 BC, AE  Serrate (bronze, 7.58g, 19.3mm), Antioch on the Orontes Mint, Circa 162-150 BC
Obv: Bust of Artemis to right, wearing stephane, with bow and quiver over shoulder
Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ, bow and quiver
Ref: SC 1645; SNG Spaer 1295-8; HGC 9, 826 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF (somewhat off-centered obverse)
Note: Demetrios I Soter, also known as Demetrius I, ruled the Seleucid Empire during the Hellenistic period from 162 to 150 BC. He is remembered as a dynamic and ambitious ruler, renowned for his military campaigns aimed at expanding and stabilizing the empire. The coinage from his reign often depicted symbolic imagery, such as Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth, portrayed facing right. Artemis is depicted wearing a stephane, a ceremonial headband, and carrying a bow and quiver of arrows over her shoulder. This imagery symbolizes Artemis’s association with hunting and her protective aspect, particularly over women and children.
The coin’s serrated edges, a common feature of Seleucid coinage during this period, served both practical and decorative purposes. These serrations helped prevent clipping, ensuring the coin retained its full weight and value. Additionally, they provided a distinctive and aesthetically pleasing appearance to the coin.
Overall, this coin offers valuable insights into the religious, cultural, and political landscape of the Seleucid Empire under Demetrios I Soter. It reflects the empire’s syncretic blending of Greek and Eastern traditions, as well as its emphasis on military strength and royal authority. The imagery of Artemis and the distinctive coin features highlight the empire’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of its rulers in shaping the ancient world.