Good day people- I came across this because of the history; I'm sure it is a tetradrachm with Philip I on the obverse and Jupiter on the reverse. The question I have is the delta symbol in the left-hand open field. I was pretty sure it would be a mint mark (maybe a control), but I'm not finding anything that talks about said delta. If anyone knows a little more than I do, I would appreciate the insight. Many thanks, and... well--- many thanks!
somehow or another I manage to put a doubled picture up... I had to get this Seleucid coin; it was just too neat to pass up!
That's a nice-looking coin you have there. This is a kind of confusing series because the Romans imitated the type extensively. Although I am no expert on these, I think that monogram in the left field may indicate a Roman, rather than Seleucid issue. Here's an article you might check out: https://www.academia.edu/15665620/A...elphus_struck_by_Autonomous_Antioch_64-58_BC_ Wildwinds has a large listing for these (see the PHILIP PHILADELPHOS POSTHUMOUS ISSUES UNDER ROMAN RULE section): https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/seleucia/philip_philadelphos/t.html Here's mine: Augustus Tetradrachm (as Philip I Philadelphus) Year 29 Caes. Era (21/20 B.C.) Syria, Seleucis & Pieria, Antiochia ad Orontem Diademed head right / [BA]ΣΙ[ΛΕΩΣ] [Φ]IΛIΠΠ[OV] [ΦIΛ]AΔE[ΛΦOV] EΠIΦANO[VΣ], Zeus Nicephorus seated left; left; ΑΥΤ monogram inner left field, ΘK (? see notes) and [thunderbolt] in exergue. Attribution: Date is mostly off flan; ΘK seems most likely; possibly BK (RPC 4139). If ΘK, then: RPC I 4145; McAlee 23; Newell, no. 42; Prieur 22; Seleucid Coins (part 2) 2491.19 (14.13 grams / 26 x 25 mm) eBay Nov. 2021
Your coin has 3 controls. Delta inner left, Λ with a line down the middle under the throne, and •|• above ( • inside Λ ) off the flan outer left. Minted in Antoch 88/87 BC. The control marks were used by mint workers to identify who made them. Not much is know why they were chosen, or what they represent.
Mike and David- Many thanks! I will be checking out both sites for the additional information. It's great to have you share your knowledge; for whatever reason I'm starting to really appreciate the Seleucid Empire. They occupied quite a bit of territory back in the day. Thanks again, fellas...
