Seleukos II Kallinikos, 246-226 BC, Tetradrachm

Seleukos II Kallinikos, Tetradrachm, AR, reign 246-226 BC, minted in Susa. Weight: 16.76g, Diameter: approximately 28mm. The obverse features the head of Herakles facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress, with the tied paws visible beneath the chin, exhibiting the classical artistry of Hellenistic portraiture. The reverse bears the inscription ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ, encircling a depiction of Zeus seated left on a high-backed throne, holding an eagle in his outstretched right hand and a scepter in his left. The strike is well-centered and sharp, with a light patina that highlights fine details. Corresponds to SC 787a in numismatic references. Seleukos II Kallinikos ruled over a significant portion of the Hellenistic world during a turbulent era for the Seleucid Empire, marked by familial strife and wars of succession. His reign underscored the challenges of maintaining control over remote territories such as Susa, reflecting the complexities of governance in one of the largest successor states of Alexander the Great's empire. Coins from his time provide insight into the political and economic landscape of the eastern Mediterranean and underscore the cultural diffusion under Hellenistic rule.