Rare Issue of Philip III Struck by Seleukos

Sale: CNG 76, Lot: 769. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2007.  Sold For $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SELEUKID KINGS of SYRIA. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.16 g, 3h). Seleucia I mint(?). Struck in the name of Philip III of Macedon, circa 300-281 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; pentagram in left field. SC 118; Price P229. Good VF, lightly toned. Rare.

From the Arthur Houghton Collection.

This issue is obverse die linked to an issue in the name of Seleukos I, SC 117.7b. Various opinions exist on the purpose of this issue in the name of Philip, none of which are persuasive (see SC 118). It is likely that both issues are the product of another, ephemeral mint.