Seleucid Kingdom Demetrios I Soter AR Drachm, Antioch, 152-151 BC, SC 1657

Demetrios I Soter, Drachm, silver, reign 162–150 BC, struck at Antioch 152–151 BC; 4.17 g; 17 mm. Obv: anepigraphic; diademed head of the king right. Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ; vertical cornucopia; control ΑΞΡ in field; two monograms beneath. Struck on the Attic standard at Antioch, die axis 12h. Reference: SC 1657.

Issued after Demetrios’ consolidation of power and during the opening phase of the challenge by Alexander I Balas (from 152 BC), this Antioch drachm bears the “Soter” title granted following Demetrios’ defeat of the rebel Timarchos. The cornucopia type advertises royal provision and prosperity closely associated with Seleucid benefactions at Antioch, while the monograms record the responsible mint officials for this wartime issue.