SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Hadrian, 117-138. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 13.23 g, 6 h). ΑΥΤOK ΚΑΙC ΤΡΑI ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ΑΡΙ [ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚ ΠΑΡΘ] Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right. Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡΧ [ЄΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ] Eagle with spread wings standing right on club, head to left. McAlee 525. Prieur 125 corr. ('Tyre' and obverse legend). RPC III 3684. Very rare, just 4 examples noted by Prieur. Struck somewhat off center and with a few scratches, otherwise, very fine.


As noted by Prieur, this unique obverse legend proves that this was the first Syro-Phoenician tetradrachm type struck in the name of Hadrian. In addition, our example shows a portrait somewhat reminiscent of Trajan's features .