Seleucid Kingdom, struck in the name of Antiochos

This is a silver tetradrachm from the Seleucid Kingdom, struck in the name of Antiochos (likely Antiochos III the Great, r. 222–187 BC, or possibly a close contemporary like Antiochos IV).

Obverse

A diademed royal portrait facing right. The style is somewhat crude, with a receding hairline (wavy hair swept back from the forehead), prominent nose, and notably large/drooping eyes — characteristic of mid- to later Seleucid portraits, especially from eastern or provincial mints where engraving was less refined than at major centers like Antioch.

Reverse

Apollo seated left on an omphalos, holding an arrow in his right hand and resting his left on a grounded bow. The legend reads ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ (of King Antiochos). The Apollo is rendered crudely (blocky limbs, simplified drapery), consistent with mid-dynasty style. In the left field is a control mark that appears to be the forepart (front half) of a lion or similar animal (perhaps a rearing or walking forepart; wear and striking make it indistinct, but this matches common Seleucid secondary symbols like lion foreparts, horse foreparts, or elephant foreparts used as mint/control marks).

This is the standard Seleucid royal tetradrachm type introduced under Antiochos I and used extensively through Antiochos III and beyond: royal portrait / Apollo seated on omphalos. Antiochos III issued enormous quantities of these (especially during his eastern anabasis and wars), often from mobile or eastern mints (e.g., Ekbatana, Susa, or uncertain eastern workshops), where styles could be cruder and portraits less idealized. The large/drooping eyes and overall facial structure are reminiscent of some Antiochos III Type D or E portraits, though not a perfect match for the finest Antioch issues. The hairline doesn't perfectly align with known posthumous Antiochos IV issues (which often have more exuberant, flowing hair), supporting a lifetime Antiochos III attribution over a later posthumous one. If it's not Antiochos III, the next best fit would be an eastern issue of Antiochos IV, but the style leans earlier.

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