Triton XXII, Lot: 548. Estimate $300. Sold for $325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. temp. Quintus Caecilius Bassus. 46-44 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 15.44 g, 12h). In the name and types of Philip I Philadelphus. Dated year 4 of the Caesarean Era (46/5 BC). Diademed head right / [BA]ΣIΛ[EΩΣ]/ΦΙΛΙΠΠO[Y] to right, EΠIΦANOVΣ/ΦIΛAΔΕΛΦO[V] to left, Zeus Nicephorus enthroned left; thunderbolt above, dot inside crook of left arm, monogram of Antioch to lower inner left, monogram below throne, Δ (date) in exergue; all within laurel wreath. Prieur 5; McAlee 5(b)/1 (this coin illustrated); RPC I 4128; HGC 9, 1360b. Near EF, toned, minor porosity, small metal flaw on obverse.

From the Michel Prieur Collection.

Struck during the time of Q. Caecilius Bassus’ governorship of Syria. Bassus, a supporter of Pompey, had led an insurrection against Sextus, cousin of Julius Caesar and governor of Syria from 47-46 BC. For two years he fought off attacks from enemy forces, even calling on the Parthians for assistance (Dio 27.5), before finally falling to Cassius.