SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia on the Orontes, 3rd-2nd centuries BC. Weight of 1 Mina (Bronze, 90x91 mm, 501.00 g). Indian elephant walking to the left; above, ANTIOXEIOΣ; in upper left field, Seleukid anchor; below ground line, MNA; all within decorative collonaded border with plant ornament in the edges. Rev. Lattice work design. Pondera -, cf. 543 (with the name of a magistrate) and 484 (similar design, but from Seleukeia in Pieria). Unpublished and unique. A highly impressive large Seleukid commercial weight. Minor roughness and with some metal faults on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.

This impressive weight, weighing one mina, comes from Antiochia on the Orontes, one of the most important Seleukid foundations in northern Syria. While it refers to the city of Antiochia, the symbolism - particularly the anchor and the war elephant - remains unmistakably royal. The pachyderm and the anchor, both key symbols of the Seleukid dynasty, underscore the rulers' desire to project their power and sovereignty Elephants played a significant role in many Hellenistic armies, but after Seleukos' agreement with Chandragupta in 303 BC, in which 500 war elephants were exchanged for the cession of the Indian provinces, they became one of the defining symbols of the Seleukid Empire - alongside the anchor. In addition to their military role, elephants were also associated with India and with Dionysos' eastern campaigns, making them a fitting emblem for the kings of Asia. This weight has a counterpart in Pondera 484, which comes from Seleukeia in Pieria, Antiochia’s harbor city. Another piece from Antiochia (Pondera 543) likely dates from the post-Seleukid period, as it mentions a magistrate but omits the royal anchor. This shift reflects the change from royal symbols to those of civic authority, but the elephant, as a royal emblem, persists, linking it now to Antiochia, the last Seleukid royal residence