Identification would be appreciated of Antioch Head of Zeus, seated Zeus bronze.

[coldavo]

Hi All,

I am just getting another Antioch "head of Zeus, seated Zeus" AE20mm 6.94 grams for my collection and would appreciate help, hopefully, as to identification, date and Reference number.

It is in not very good condition and seems to be the standard ANTIOXEWN THΣ METROPOLEWS (or thereabouts) type. There is a character in the left field which I can't identify, and the date in the exergue which is illegible (to me). It looks fairly similar to many illustrations that I can find but, since these seem to range from about 89BC (Sear5853) to 31BC (BMC33), they do not help much.

I am hoping for reference numbers (hopefully McAlee) and a date.

Aa always - any help would be most appreciated.

All the best,
Col

[Pekka K]

Possibly Seleucid era date: 
 (78/77 BC), so not in scope of McAlee.

Ref: HGC9-1370.

Pekka K

[coldavo]

Hi again Pekka K,

Thanks for the information.

I have recorded it as Seleucid era date ELS and appreciate your help.

I have to go with your opinion as I still can't make out the characters. There's a reason for that - I'm a keen amateur whereas you know what to look for and have the experience. Perhaps in another 20 years or so??

Thanks again,
All the very best,
Col

[coldavo]

Hi Again Pekka K,

With your information I was able to find a photo of the coin (as per your reference) and was able to identify the character on the left as an "E". See  https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/11659661-ancient-greece-syria-seleucia-and-piera-antioch-ca-38-35-b-c-ae-tetrachalkon-unknown-year

Just a little more information for my records.

Thanks again,
All the best,
Col