Seleucid Kingdom – Antiochos Hierax, 241–228 BC – Apollo / Apollo Bronze Coin

SELEUCID KINGDOM – ANTIOCHOS HIERAX (241–228 BC). APOLLO LAUREATE / APOLLO WITH ARROW. ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE COIN.

An intriguing ancient coin from the Seleucid Kingdom, issued during the turbulent reign of Antiochos II Hierax, who ruled parts of the Seleucid realm during the 3rd century BC.

Antiochos Hierax—whose name means “the Hawk”—was the younger son of Antiochos II Theos and Laodice I. His reign was dominated by a struggle for power with his elder brother, Seleucus II Callinicus, in what became known as the Brother's War.

Coin Design

Obverse: The laureate head of Apollo, facing right. Apollo was an important deity throughout the Hellenistic world and was strongly associated with the Seleucid royal tradition.

Reverse: Apollo standing, holding an arrow, with accompanying Greek legends and symbols identifying the Seleucid authority.

The repeated appearance of Apollo on both sides gives this coin a particularly distinctive design and reflects the importance of Greek religious imagery in Seleucid coinage.

Historical Background

The Seleucid Empire was founded by Seleukos I Nikator, one of the generals and successors of Alexander the Great. At its height, the Seleucid realm stretched across much of the Near East, from Anatolia and Syria through Mesopotamia and into territories farther east.

Antiochos Hierax ruled during a period when the empire was becoming increasingly fragmented. His conflict with his brother weakened central Seleucid authority and contributed to the independence of several regions.

Despite his relatively short and troubled reign, Antiochos Hierax remains an interesting figure of the Hellenistic period, and his coinage is collected by specialists in Seleucid and Ancient Greek numismatics.

Coin Details

• Kingdom: Seleucid Kingdom
• Ruler: Antiochos Hierax
• Reign: 241–228 BC
• Period: Hellenistic
• Type: Apollo Laureate / Apollo with Arrow
• Metal: Bronze
• Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo
• Reverse: Apollo holding arrow
• Language: Ancient Greek

More than 2,200 years old, this coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the Seleucid Empire and the dynastic struggles that shaped the Hellenistic Near East.

Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact denomination, mint, monograms, legends, weight, diameter and condition of this individual coin.