177, Lot: 129. Estimate $150. Sold for $249. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SELEUKID KINGS of SYRIA. Seleukos VI Epiphanes Nikator. Circa 96-94 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 3.89 g, 2h). Antioch mint. Struck circa 95/4 BC. Diademed head right, with short horn / Nike advancing right, holding wreath; to outer left, [A above] monogram (of Antioch mint). SMA -; Babelon, Rois -; SNG Spaer -; Houghton 366 (this coin); SNG Fitzwilliam 5815 (same obv. die). Good VF, toned, edge split.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 69 (8 June 2005), lot 602; Arthur Houghton Collection, 366.

Seleukos' coinage at Antioch comprises three series. The first two have a bearded portrait, probably alluding to his oath to the gods to avenge his father, Antiochos VIII's, death at the hands of Antiochos IX. The last series, of which this coin is from, has a beardless portrait, likely referring to the fulfillment of his oath. The horn is apparently related to that found on portraits of his grandfather, Demetrios II, which appeared on the rare final issues of Antioch during Demetrios’ second reign. Its significance is unknown. Although the markings on this coin are only partially visible, they are confirmed by the obverse die link to the Fitzwilliam coin.