Obolos 16

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Pre-Imperial period, 47/6-28 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26.5 mm, 15.50 g, 12 h), in the name and types of Philip I Philadelphos, Caesarian Era year 8 = 42/1 BC. Diademed head of Philip I Philadelphos to right; fillet border. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ / ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ Zeus seated left on high-backed throne, holding Nike on his outstretched right hand and long scepter in his right; in inner field to left, monogram of Gabinius; below throne, fixed monogram; in exergue, H (= year 8); all within laurel wreath. HGC 9, 1360e. McAlee 8. Prieur 8. RPC I 4131. SC 2491.5. Clear and toned. About extremely fine.

The tetradrachms of the Seleukid king Philip I Philadelphos (95/4-76/5 BC) were issued on a much larger scale than the tetradrachms of his Seleukid co-rulers and enemies as well as the coins of the succeeding Seleukid kings, and "pseudo-Philips" continued to be struck and/or copied long after his death. After Pompey the Great annexed Syria as a Roman province in 64 BC, the mint at Antioch continued producing these tetradrachms but incorporated monograms and often dates to the reverse design. On this coin we see the monogram for AYTONOMOY in the field before Zeus's feet and the Caesarian era date in the exergue.