Seleukos I Nicator, 305-381 BC, Tetradrachm

Seleukos I Nicator (312–281 BC), Tetradrachm, AR, Babylon, c. 311–300 BC; 15.56 g; 27 mm.

Struck in the name of Alexander III. Head of beardless Herakles right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. Reverse with Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ. Posthumous Attic-standard issue of the Babylon mint under Seleukos I. Reference: Price 3751.

This Babylonian Alexander-type was produced after Seleukos retook Babylon in 311 BC, when he relied on the widely accepted coinage in Alexander’s name to stabilize payments and supply his forces during the Diadoch wars. The type illustrates the transitional monetary policy of the early Seleucid realm, which continued Argead iconography before the introduction of distinct Seleucid royal types.