Obolos 31

SELEUKID KINGS. "Antiochos Soter", 246-circa 244 BC, or later. Tetradrachm (Silver, 28 mm, 16.60 g, 12 h), ΔΕΛ mint associated with Antioch on the Orontes. Diademed head of Antiochos I to right. Rev. ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left. HGC 9, 295. SC 641. Rare. Light porosity, otherwise, very fine.

From a North American collection.

The opening stages of the Third Syrian War was the occasion for the striking of the "Antiochos Soter" coinage. The war was a contest between the Seleukids and the Ptolemies, contested between Antiochos II's two sons, Seleukos II and Antiochos, the latter who was supported by the Ptolemies. When Antiochos and his mother were murdered in Antioch, Ptolemy III attacked, sacking Antioch and extending his reach into western Asia Minor and as far east as Babylonia. It was only a revolt in Egypt which saved the Seleukids, as the revolt drew the Ptolemaic forces away allowing Seleukos II to reestablish control over his lost territories.

It is not clear weather the Soter coinage was struck by the Seleukids or the Ptolemies, but evidence points to a likely Ptolemaic hand.