Augustus AR tetradrachm

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Tetradrachm

(27mm, 14.56 g, 12h).

In the name and types of the Seleucid king Philip I Philadelphus. Dated year 26 of the Caesarean Era (24/23 BC).

Obv: Diademed head of Philip I right within fillet border

Rev: Zeus Nicephorus seated left; monogram to inner left and below throne, ςK (date) and thunderbolt in exergue; all within wreath.

Prieur 19; McAlee 19 (this coin illustrated); RPC I 4142; SC 2491.16; HGC 9, 1360p. Toned, some porosity and surface striations.

Fine. Rare, seven known to Prieur, and two in CoinArchives.

From the Michel Prieur Collection, purchased privately from Richard McAlee.

CNG E-Auction 451 Lot 272 September 4, 2019

This was an interesting coin for me because it was minted by an Emperor in the name of another ruler. In this case this coin was struck under Augustus in the name and types of the Seleucid king Philip I Philadelphus.This coin was struck decades after the rule of the Seleucid king Phillip I.

The portraits on these coins of Augustus differentiations quite a bit from those struck under Phillip I. However, this coin is interesting for another reason. It was part of 2 important collections. The coin is the Michel Prieur Collection, purchased privately from Richard McAlee. In addition, this coin is a plate coin in McAlee's publication "The Coins of Roman Antioch".

I like these big chunky pieces of silver. I am very pleased to add this interesting coin to my collection.