SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Antiochos II Theos, 261-246 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 29 mm, 16.95 g, 11 h), Alexandria in Aria (Artacoana), 261-circa 255. Diademed head of Antiochos I to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - ANTIOXOY Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; to outer right, monogram and BA. ESM 728. SC 612.5. Very rare. An exceptionally attractive example of this interesting issue. Light die wear on the obverse and with a minor scratch on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.


Alexandria in Aria was founded by Alexander 'the Great' on or near the site of the old Persian city of Artacoana, the capital of the satrapy of Aria, which lay in the vicinity of modern-day Herat. Refounded, or newly fortified, by Antiochos I in the 280s, the city remained one of the Seleukid's easternmost strongholds until it was lost to the Diodotoi following their revolt in circa 255 BC. Thus, this very rare coin can be dated between 261 BC until 255 BC.