CVC & Collectables presents this remarkable silver Tetradrachm of Seleucus I Nicator, founder of the Seleucid Empire and one of Alexander the Great’s most successful successors. Struck at Susa between approximately 305/304 and 295 BC, this impressive silver issue is certified by NGC Ancients as VF, earning a superb Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, and the coveted Fine Style designation. Featuring an extraordinary portrait of Seleucus wearing a distinctive horned helmet and an elegant reverse depicting Nike crowning a military trophy, this coin is a masterpiece of early Hellenistic artistry.
Coin Highlights
- Kingdom: Seleucid Empire
- Ruler: Seleucus I Nicator
- Reign: 312–281 BC
- Date: ca. 305/304–295 BC
- Mint: Susa
- Denomination: AR Tetradrachm
- Composition: Silver
- Weight: 17.05 grams
- Grade: NGC VF
- Strike: 5/5
- Surface: 3/5
- Designation: Fine Style
- Notes: Brushed
- Reference: Seleucid Coins (SC) 173.14
Obverse
- Helmeted portrait of Seleucus I facing right.
- Wears an elaborate Attic helmet covered with a panther skin and decorated with bull horns and an ear, emphasizing his divine and heroic associations.
- The portrait is among the most distinctive royal images produced during the early Hellenistic period.
Reverse
- Nike, the Greek goddess of Victory, stands right crowning a military trophy constructed from captured arms.
- Greek legend:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ
(“Of King Seleucus”) - Control marks appear beneath Nike’s wing and beside the trophy, identifying this issue from the Susa mint.
NGC Strike, Surface & Fine Style
NGC Ancients evaluates more than wear alone, assigning separate ratings that recognize both manufacturing quality and preservation.
- Strike 5/5: The highest possible strike rating, indicating exceptionally sharp detail throughout the design. Ancient Greek silver of this quality is highly sought after because complete strikes are far less common than softly struck examples.
- Surface 3/5: Honest preservation with evidence of ancient handling and later cleaning. While designated “Brushed,” the coin retains excellent detail and strong eye appeal.
- Fine Style: One of NGC Ancients’ most respected designations, awarded only to coins displaying superior artistry. Fine Style coins feature portraits and engraving that stand noticeably above the standard output of the mint, making them especially desirable to collectors.
King History: Seleucus I Nicator (312–281 BC)
Born around 358 BC, Seleucus served as one of Alexander’s trusted officers during the conquest of the Persian Empire. After years of conflict among Alexander’s successors, he secured Babylon before steadily expanding eastward and westward, creating one of history’s largest Hellenistic kingdoms.
His victories over rival kings, including Antigonus at the Battle of Ipsus (301 BC), firmly established his authority. Seleucus became renowned not only as a military commander but also as a skilled administrator who promoted trade, founded dozens of cities, and spread Greek culture across an enormous territory.
He ruled until 281 BC, when he was assassinated shortly after achieving his greatest military triumph. His dynasty continued to govern much of the Near East for over two centuries.
Collectibility
Silver tetradrachms of Seleucus I represent one of the foundational coinages of the Hellenistic world. Collectors prize these issues for their direct connection to Alexander’s successors, their artistic excellence, and their historical importance. This example is especially desirable because of its perfect 5/5 strike, Fine Style designation, and impressive portrait engraved by one of the finest die engravers working at the Susa mint. Coins combining superior artistry with exceptional strike quality are increasingly sought after by advanced ancient coin collectors.
