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Octodrachm - Antiochos III Megas
| Issuer | Seleucid Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 211 BC - 210 BC |
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| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Apollo seated left upon the sacred omphalos, his nude figure rendered in a relaxed contrapposto pose characteristic of Hellenistic coin engraving. In his extended right hand he holds an arrow, while his left arm rests upon his unstrung bow propped against the omphalos at his side. A monogram appears in the left field, serving as a mint or magistrate control mark. The Greek royal legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ is disposed in two lines flanking the central type, identifying the issuing sovereign. |
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| Reverse lettering | ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ |
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| Additional information |
Antiochos III launched his eastern campaign — the *anabasis* — around 212 BC, pushing through Media, Parthia, Bactria, and ultimately into India in a deliberate reenactment of Alexander's conquests. These heavy gold octodrachms were almost certainly struck to fund that campaign, serving as high-denomination military pay rather than everyday coinage. The issue is rare, and surviving examples are concentrated in a handful of institutional collections.