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Seleukid Kingdom, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, 175 - 164 B.C.
From the extraordinary "Egyptianizing" coinage of Antiochus IV, celebrating his triumphs over the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt by using a reverse type strongly associated with the Lagid dynasty, an eagle perched on a thunderbolt. In 168 B.C., Antiochus IV ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. The Temple in Jerusalem was seized and dedicated to Zeus. The Jews revolted and after three years of fighting, Judah Maccabee defeated the Seleukid army. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in 165 B.C. According to the Talmud, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, enough time to prepare and consecrate fresh oil.
GY87392. Bronze AE 26, Houghton-Lorber II 1414; Newell SMA 60; Houghton CSE 121; SNG Spaer 981; SNG Cop 192; Svoronos 1417 (Antiochus III, occupied Egypt); HGC 9 644 (S-R1), VF, attractive style, surfaces, and black patina, obverse off center but full head on flan, light marks, light earthen deposits, central cavities, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 16.884g, maximum diameter 26.3mm, die axis 0o, autumn 169 - autumn 168 B.C.; obverse head of Isis right, wearing wreath of grain and tainia with Isis crown, beveled edge; reverse eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head right, wings closed, BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ANTIOXOY in two lines downward on right, ΘEOY / EΠIΦANOYΣ in two lines downward on left; scarce; SOLD
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