Seleucid Kingdom, c. 95-75 BC, GREEK COINAGE, AR Tetradrachm, NGC VF

Features of the Seleucid Kingdom, c. 95-75 BC, GREEK COINAGE, AR Tetradrachm, NGC VF:

• Denomination: Tetradrachm
• Metal: Silver
• Coinage Period: c. 95-75 B.C.
• Obverse: Diademed head right
• Reverse: Zues seated left

Philip I Philadelphus was a Hellenistic ruler of the Seleucid Empire (mondern day Syria), reigning from 95-75 B.C.  He was a lesser-known monarch in the expansive Seleucid dynasty.  His epithet "Philadelphus" means "brother-loving" in Greek.  During his reign, the Empire was in decline, facing both internal conflict and external threats.  Though his direct impact on the Empire's history was limited, he represents the later phases of the Hellenistic era, when once-great empires began to fragment and give way to emerging powers like Rome.  Information about his reign is limited, overshadowed by the other prominent Hellenistic figures.  Nevertheless, his coinage stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural ideals of the time, preserving Hellenistic traditions even amidst political instability.