SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Seleukos I Nikator (?), joint rein with Antiochos I Soter, 294-281 BC. Obol (Silver, 9 mm, 0.64 g, 7 h), uncertain mint in the East. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet. Rev. Nike standing right, placing wreath on trophy; in lower middle field, uncertain symbol. Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 581 (2025), 166 (same obverse die). SC -. Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example. Struck from a somewhat worn obverse die, otherwise, very fine.
The significance of the unusual symbol between Nike and the trophy on the reverse remains unclear. It does not appear to be a monogram, as no recognizable letter forms can be discerned within it. Its shape is faintly reminiscent of a lyre, although this interpretation likewise seems improbable. Given the military iconography, it may represent some form of military object, but its precise nature ultimately remains uncertain. The symbol is particularly significant because it also appears on Lot 250 below, thereby providing the crucial link that allows this coin to be attributed to the Seleukids. These obols belong to an extremely rare series of Seleukid small-denomination silver coins from the eastern reaches of their vast empire, the historical context of which is still not fully understood. The present type combines the head of Athena familiar from staters of the Alexander type with the well-known victory reverse of the eastern tetradrachms of Seleukos I. We attribute it here to the period of Seleukos’ joint reign with his son Antiochos I (see the commentary on Lot 250), who from 294 BC governed the Upper Satrapies as viceroy. These unusual coins were presumably struck there and are today of the utmost rarity.