Syria, Seleukis and Pieria. Trajan, 98-117 AD Antioch, c. 103-111 AD
Syria, Seleukis and Pieria. Trajan, 98-117 AD Antioch, c. 103-111 AD
AR Tetradrachm, 14.72g (29mm, 6h).
Laureate bust r. with eagle below standing right and club in r. field / laureate bust right of Herakles, lion's skin tied around his neck
Pedigree: Ex CNG, Triton I, 1997, Lot 708
References: Wruck 150; SNG Copenhagen 192
Grade: well struck on both faces with minor wear on obverse royal bust's hair and eagle feathers. Reverse is particularly nice with practically no wear. Deep dark toning on obverse and subtly toning on reverse. VF+/EF+. (re1293)
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Trajan was a Spanish born emperor of Rome. He is remembered for expanding the Roman empire to its largest under his reign. This particular coin was struck in Antioch. Trajan is displayed on the obverse and reverse shows a bust of Melqart, the Herakles of the region.
Seleucia Pieria was founded by Seleucus I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, in 300 BC. The city was fought over by the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties. It finally landed back into Seleucid hands and remained an independent state even throughout the Roman period. The greatest development occurred during Roman times as its proximity to water made it an ideal trade location.
Coins were abundantly produced throughout the Roman period.