Our partner for world banknotes research
| Leu Numismatik AG > Web Auction 40 | Auction date: 14 March 2026 |
| Lot number: 667 Price realized: 1,700 CHF (Approx. 2,152 USD / 1,881 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: SELEUKID KINGS. Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 28 mm, 16.90 g, 2 h), Susa, circa 304-298/7. Bust of Alexander the Great, with the features of Seleukos, as Dionysos to right, wearing Attic helmet covered with a panther skin and adorned with bull's ear and horns, cheek guards lowered and panther skin tied around neck. Rev. VΑΣΙΛΕΩ< (sic!) - ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ Nike standing right, placing wreath on top of a trophy of arms to her right; in field to lower left and between Nike and trophy, monogram. SC 173.4. Boldly struck in high relief and with a fine style portrait. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, about extremely fine. This famous coin type commemorates Seleukos' victories during his eastern campaign of 305–303 BC, through which he reestablished Macedonian control over Iran and Central Asia. His advance into the Indus Valley, however, proved less successful, as it ultimately led to the permanent loss of the Indian provinces. Although sources are scarce, we learn that Seleukos eventually ceded the entire region to the Mauryan King Chandragupta (known in Greek as Sandrakottos) in exchange for 500 war elephants. Chandragupta is also said to have married Seleukos' daughter. It remains uncertain whether Chandragupta defeated the Macedonians in battle or if Seleukos concluded that maintaining control over the Indus Valley would be too costly. Nonetheless, this agreement proved mutually advantageous: Chandragupta was free to pursue his conquest of southern India, while Seleukos' newly acquired war elephants helped secure his victory in the Fourth War of the Diadochi. The present coin alludes to these events, elevating Seleukos to the stature of Dionysos and Alexander, both legendary figures associated with reaching India. Notably, this issue circulated almost exclusively in Persis, suggesting it may have been designed specifically to showcase Seleukos' might to his regional garrison troops and the local, potentially rebellious population. This lot cannot be shipped to a US address. When delivered in Switzerland, this item is subjected to margin taxation in accordance with Art. 24a MWSTG (Swiss VAT Act), provided that the buyer is not registered for VAT. Starting price: 500 CHF |  |
