Description
| Greek, Seleukid Kingdom, Demetrius I, 162-150 BC, AR Tetradrachm (silver, 16.62g, 30mm), Antioch Mint | |
| Obv: Diademed head of Demetrius to right within laurel wreath border | |
| Rev: BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ΔHMHTPIOY; Tyche, fully clothed, seated left, holding baton and cornucopia; winged Tritoness supporting throne, HP monogram to outer left, ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ in exergue | |
| Ref: Unpublished from Antioch with ‘ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ’ (Soter = Saver) in the exergue; Second specimen recorded by Houghton. | Rarity/Choice: Extremely Rare (var) , aEF (minor scratches, otherwise, expressive portrait of high relief and well struck on broad flan) |
| Note: Demetrius I, also known as Demetrius Soter, was a prominent ruler of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from 162 to 150 BC. He was the son of Seleucus IV and the brother of Antiochus IV. Demetrius I’s reign was marked by internal strife and external challenges. Upon ascending the throne, he faced opposition from rival claimants to the throne, particularly Alexander Balas, leading to a period of civil war known as the “War of the Brothers.” Despite initial successes, Demetrius I’s reign was characterized by political instability and military conflicts. He struggled to maintain control over the vast Seleucid territories, facing revolts and challenges from various factions within his empire. Demetrius I also faced external threats, including invasions from neighboring powers such as the Parthians. In terms of his coinage, Demetrius I issued a variety of coins, including tetradrachms, drachms, and smaller denominations. Demetrius I, also known as Demetrius Soter, was a prominent ruler of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from 162 to 150 BC. He was the son of Seleucus IV and the brother of Antiochus IV. Demetrius I’s reign was marked by internal strife and external challenges. Upon ascending the throne, he faced opposition from rival claimants to the throne, particularly Alexander Balas, leading to a period of civil war known as the “War of the Brothers.” Despite initial successes, Demetrius I’s reign was characterized by political instability and military conflicts. He struggled to maintain control over the vast Seleucid territories, facing revolts and challenges from various factions within his empire. Demetrius I also faced external threats, including invasions from neighboring powers such as the Parthians. In terms of his coinage, Demetrius I issued a variety of coins, including tetradrachms, drachms, and smaller denominations. The obverse of this tetradrachm features the diademed head of Demetrius I facing right. This portrayal presents him as a powerful and regal ruler, with the diadem symbolizing his royal status. On the reverse side, the coin depicts Tyche, the Greek goddess of fortune and prosperity, seated on a throne. Tyche holds a baton, symbolizing her role as a divine ruler, and a cornucopiae, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The presence of the Nereid, a sea nymph, supporting the throne further emphasizes the maritime power and wealth of the Seleucid Empire. The use of such eloquent epithets in exergue on this coin ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ (Soter) means “Savior’, was to convey his virtues and aspirations to their subjects. Overall, this tetradrachm reflects Demetrius I’s attempt to portray himself as a powerful and benevolent ruler, capable of safeguarding the prosperity and well-being of his subjects. It also highlights the rich Hellenistic culture and artistic tradition of the Seleucid Empire during his reign. |
