Seleukid Kingdom, Antioch, Seleukos III Keraunos, AE, Circa 226-223 BC, Artemis / Apollo

$38.00

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SKU: G10.21 Categories: ,

Description

Greek, Seleukid Kingdom, Antioch, Seleukos III Keraunos, 226-223 BC, AE (bronze, 2.12g, 14.7mm), Circa 226-223 BC
Obv: Head of Artemis right, quiver over shoulder
Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ, legend vertically downward to right and left of naked Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow and grounded bow, monogram to outer left and in exergue
Ref: Newell WSM 1034 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF
Note:  Seleukos III, known as Seleukos III Keraunos or Seleucus III Ceraunus, was a ruler of the Seleucid Empire from 226 to 223 BC. He was the eldest son of Seleukos II Callinikos and Laodike II, and he ascended to the throne following his father’s death. Seleukos III faced significant challenges during his reign, including revolts in various provinces and external threats. His reign was marked by military campaigns to consolidate control over the empire’s territories. Artemis and Apollo were both widely worshiped throughout the Hellenistic world, and their inclusion on this coin suggests their importance in Seleucid religious life. The use of these deities’ imagery on coinage also served to legitimize the rule of Seleukos III by aligning him with divine patronage. Thus, this coin offers valuable insights into the religious beliefs and political propaganda of the Seleucid Kingdom during the early third century BC.