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Seleucid Kings, Antiochus II (261-246 BC)
Æ (bronze) (16 mm, 4.00 g, 12 o'clock orientation)
Sardis (Sardeis)
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo facing right.
Reverso: Tripod; monograms on the outside to the left and right, anchor underneath.
References: SC 525.1; HGC 9, 253a.
Patina: Brown.
Conservation status: VF - Good VF (Very Good Condition).
Additional explanation:
Antiochus II He was a king of the Seleucid dynasty who ruled between 261 and 246 BC, facing both internal conflicts and wars with his rivals.
Sardis , the ancient capital of the Lydian kingdom, was an important minting center for the Seleucids in Asia Minor during the Hellenistic period.
The laureate head of Apollo It symbolizes the king's connection with this deity, patron of music, prophecy, and light, reflecting culture and legitimacy.
The tripod On the reverse, it is a symbol of the sanctuaries of Apollo, especially related to the oracle of Delphi, and represents sacred power and religious authority.
The monograms They are identifying signs of the workshops or officials responsible for the minting.
The anchor The tripod may represent stability, or, as a common symbol on coins from Asia Minor, a regional or economic control indicator.