SYRIA, Seleukis and Pieria. Antioch. Aulus Gabinius, proconsul, 57-55 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 27 mm, 15.70 g, 12 h), in the name and types of the Seleukid king Philip I Philadelphos (95/4-76/5 BC). Diademed head of Philip I to right. Rev. [BA]ΣIΛEΩΣ / ΦIΛIΠΠΟY - EΠIΦΑΝΟΥΣ / [ΦIΛ]AΔEΛΦOY Zeus seated left, holding Nike in his right hand and long scepter in his left; in inner left field, monogram of AYΓB; below throne, monogram; in exergue, thunderbolt; all within wreath. McAlee 1. Prieur 1. RPC I 4124. SC 2489.1. Fresh and attractive. Light marks on the obverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


Aulus Gabinius was an important Roman politician and general of the 1st century BC. As a supporter of Pompey, he played a key role in Roman politics and introduced the Lex Gabinia in 67 BC, which granted Pompey extensive powers to combat pirates in the Mediterranean. From 57 to 55 BC, Gabinius served as proconsul of Syria. During this time, he became a pivotal figure in the Hasmonean civil war. At the request of Hyrcanus II, who was in conflict with his nephew Alexander over the throne, Gabinius marched with a Roman army to Jerusalem. In a decisive battle, he defeated Alexander, who sought refuge in the fortress of Alexandrium and was later allowed to escape under certain conditions. When Alexander incited another revolt, Gabinius defeated him again in 56 BC near Mount Tabor, inflicting heavy losses.

In Syria, Gabinius reintroduced the minting of tetradrachms after the Seleukid model. As Seleukid tetradrachms still dominated the region's economy, Gabinius' decision to reintroduce these coins was likely a pragmatic one, aimed at refreshing the coinage and ensuring economic stability in the province. The only indication of Roman rule on these tetradrachms is a small monogram of the letters AY and ΓB, standing for Aulus Gabinius.