BCE 0138 - 0129 SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus VII Euergetes (Sidetes) (138–129 BCE). AR Tetradrachm, Posthumous Cappadocian Issue. Diademed Head / Athena Standing with Nike, Laurel Wreath.
Description
Antiochus VII Euergetes Tetradrachm (138–129 BCE)
Seleucid Kingdom; posthumous Cappadocian issue
This silver tetradrachm belongs to a posthumous Cappadocian emission honoring Antiochus VII Euergetes (Sidetes), the last Seleucid ruler to reassert significant territorial control before the dynasty’s final decline. The obverse presents a sober, diademed royal portrait, while the reverse depicts Athena standing frontally, extending Nike in her right hand and resting upon a grounded shield and spear—imagery emphasizing martial virtue, wisdom, and divine favor. Enclosed within a laurel wreath, the reverse legend proclaims “of King Antiochus the Benefactor.” The control marks and wreath-enclosed Athena type place the coin securely within Class VIII of the Cappadocian posthumous issues (SC 2061.2). Certified XF by NGC, the piece illustrates both the endurance of Seleucid royal imagery and the political afterlife of Antiochus VII in Anatolian contexts.
