SELEUKOS I NIKATOR (312-281 BC)

SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA

Seleucus I Nicator – Diadoch of Alexander the Great and Founder of the Seleucid Empire

Σέλευκος Νικάτωρ – Seleucus I the Victor (born ca. 358, died 281 BCE) – one of the diadochi (Gr. diadochos – successor) of Alexander the Great, played a crucial role in shaping the Hellenistic world after Alexander's death in 323 BCE. 

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.

Denomination: Tetradrachm, Ag

Obverse: 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, ear guards lowered and panther skin tied around neck

Reverse:  Nike standing right, placing wreath on top of a trophy of arms to her right; to lower left, BE; between Nike and trophy, Boeotian shield; to lower right, monogram, BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣEΛEΥKOΥ

Mint:  Susa, 305/4-295 B.C.

Weight: 16,90 g

Diameter: 27mm

Provenance: Leu Numismatik, exWest German collection, ex Auctiones AG 16, 1-2 October 1986, 230

Référence : 08.1 SC 173.4, HGC 9, 20

Collection : ALEXANDER THE GREAT and HIS SUCCESSORS