I just took this photo of a bronze coin of Antiochus VII Euergetes that I received recently: Obv: Prow of ship Rev: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY - Vertical trident ornamented with dolphins. Above trident (in photo, probably should be underneath?): Δ0P (date of coin = 139-138 B.C.) 22 mm, 11.2 g My question: Why the prow? Roman Republican bronzes had prows on their obverses at this time. Were these made to facilitate trade with Rome? Were they minted in Rome to pay Seleucid mercenaries? Seems like there should be an interesting story behind these. Anyone know what it might be?
The coin is minted in Antioch, the capital. There was an important port at Antioch, it is called Seleukeia Pieria and it had a constant flow of trade and commerce. Yet, for all the importance of Seleukeia Pieria as a port, it is not a merchant ship on the coin, but a warship with rams. Not much is known of the Seleucid navy but treaties with the Romans indicate that Antiochos III (223-187 BC) certainly maintained a substantial fleet in the Mediterranean. His successor Seleukos IV (187-175 BC), used a similar prow of a warship as a symbol on some of his coinage, also minted in Antioch. Will post some Antiochos VII coins later.
While I don't have an answer to your question, I can echo what @Pavlos said. Seleucids did rely on a navy and many issues depicte ships. The treaty of Apamea was Rome's response to victory over Antiochus III, and limited him to just a few ships. Antiochus VII Mint: Antioch Year 174, 139 to 138 BC Obvs: Prow right surmounted by pilei of Dioscuri, dotted border. Revs: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPГETOY, Trident ornamented with dolphins facing downward on each side. Δo P flanking trident. AE 22mm, 11.2g. Ref: SC -; HGC 9, - Note: Unpublished with date Δo P instead of Δ oP; lack of symbols or controls. Alexander I unknown mint 89 152 to 146 BC Obvs: Diademed head of Alexander right within dotted border. Revs: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, prow of galley right. AE serrate 17mm, 4.2g Ref: SNG Isr 1439; SC 1814.3; HGC 9, 925(R2) Alexander II Mint: Uncertain mint 114 in southern Coele Syria 128/127 to 124/3 BC Obvs: Head of horse right, dotted border. Revs: BAΣΙΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, Ship’s ram left. AE 11x12mm, 1.44g Ref: SC 2257; HGC 9, 1154(R2-R3) Seleucus IV Antioch 187 to 175 BC Obvs: Dionysos right ivy crowned, thyrsos behind shoulder. Revs: BAΣIΛIEΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY, Forepart of galley left. M above AE Serrate< 20mm, 7.1g Ref: SNG Isr. 887; SC 1316.5a; HGC 9, 586(C) Antiochus IX Unknown mint 122 in Phoenicia, Northern Syria, or Coele Denomination D 114 to 95 BC Obvs: Head of Athena right in crested helmet, fillet border. Revs: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY ΦIΛOΠATOPOΣ, prow right. AE 14x15mm, 1.92g Ref: SC 2378.1; HGC 9, 1262(R2) Demetrius I Tyre Year 159, 154/153 BC Obvs: Diademed head of Demetrius right. Revs: BAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY TYPIΩN, Stern of war galley left with railing oar and aphlaston. Dotted border, Phoenician script lower right. AE 20mm, 6.4g BMC 4.48.47; SC 1672.2; HGC 9, 830(C-S)
No prows but coins from Antiochos VII Antiochos VII Euergetes (138-129 B.C.). AR Drachm, Soloi mint. Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochos VII right. Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ / ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ. Tyche seated left on throne, holding sceptre and cornucopia. Controls: Two monograms in exergue. Mint: Soloi mint. Date Range: 138-129 B.C. Reference: SC 2051; HGC 9, 1079. 3.81g; 19mm Antiochos VII Euergetes (138-129 B.C.). AE Denomination C. Antioch on the Orontes mint, struck 139-138 B.C. Obverse: Lion's head right. Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ, club. Reference: SC 2068.1-11. 2.55g; 15mm
Thank you all for the information. I had no idea that there were so many different Seleucid coins with ships. Based on what you have both written, I assume the obverse of my coin (the OP) was intended to assure the people of Antioch (and their enemies?) of their defense, as opposed to rallying them to war.
