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

[coldavo]

Hi All,

I have just received a few more Antioch "head of Zeus, seated Zeus" bronzes for my collection. This one is AE20mm 7.16 grams and I would appreciate help, hopefully, as to identification, date and Reference number if possible.

It is in Lower condition and seems to be the standard ANTIOXEWN THS METROPOLEWS (or thereabouts) type. There is an object which I can't identify in the left field and, as usual, the date in the exergue is illegible (to me). I am hoping for reference numbers and a date.

With my only reference still being Wildwinds and the Internet I can’t find anything to narrow it down.

Any help would be most appreciated.

All the best,
Col

[Altamura]

The object is probably the letter Phi as here:
http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b85072057.r=antioche%20%2040?rk=21459;2

Regards

Altamura

[coldavo]

Hi Altamura,

That was quick.

You seem to have it "spot on". That definitely seems to be a similar coin and in better condition than mine!

However I still can't work out the date but, with this picture as well as mine ,one of our members might now find it a bit easier.

Thank you for the help.

All the best,
Col

[Altamura]

In the thesis of Butcher (not the book) this type with a Phi is mentioned for the years 221 (AKΣ), 224 ΔKΣ() and 231 (AΛΣ) only, all years of seleucid era.

The first letter cannot be seen at all on your coin, the last always is a Σ. So you can guess whether the middle letter could be a K or a Λ  .
Or you find an identical die with a visible date  .

Regards

Altamura

[coldavo]

Hi Altamura,

With the information that you gave I've been able to chase up photos of both years 221 and 231 and, just for a comparison, year 223. The 231 is of a different style whereas the 222 and 223 are similar to mine. Also, now that I've been given a hint, I feel that the second numeral is a "K" and not an "L".

I am pleased with the results as I can now fairly certainly date it to either 221 or 224 which is tight enough for me (especially as the first numeral is definitely lost).

Thanks again for the help. It is much appreciated.

All the best,
Col

[coldavo]

Hi again Altamura,

Sorry, but I meant to ask - you mention "the thesis of Butcher". Is this thesis available on the Internet?
I've had a fairly good look but haven't been able to find it.

All the best,
Col

[Altamura]

It has been several years ago when I found that. If I remember it right, it was in some theses database, but I don't remember in which one  .

Regards

Altamura