Antioch in Persis

SCADS75 Demetrius I plated issue SC 1708-1709

DEMETRIUS I

ANTIOCH IN PERSIS (?)

Silver plated tetradrachm, Apollo on omphalos type (15.22 gm.)

Cf. SC 1708-1709

Obv.: Diademed head of Demetrius I r., diadem ends falling straight behind, fillet border.

Rev.: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on r., ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ on l., Apollo seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and resting hand on grounded bow with grip marked by two pellets.

Outer left (a, mostly off flan) and outer right (b) controls.

Reference: CNG EAuction 264, lot 172.

Judging from the type, the coin was intended to imitate an eastern issue. The treatment of the diadem ends, the ornamentation of Apollo’s bow, and the right field control all suggest an issue of Antioch in Persis as the probable model. The form of the outer left control is uncertain.