O: Diademed hd of Antiochus VII r. dotted border
R: Sandan standing atop winged lion; monogram outer left, monogram outer right, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY
CSE II, 587, CSE 479, SC 2058.2, SNG Spaer----
Ex: Brad Bowlin, Eukratides Numismatics (MS)
Dealer’s Notes: “Superb EF with multi-colored toning with lustrous surfaces. Very rare and exceptional for this issue or any issue”
This same coin is Ex: Harlan J. Berk 98, 7 Oct 1997, lot 174 described as "Antiochus VIII; 125-96 BC, Drachm, Cilicia, Tarsus, 3.79 g. Houghton-479. RX: Sandan Standing on back of horned, winged lion. Some surface crystallization and incrustation. Otherwise, Good VF." It was also illustrated within the catalogue. It is also described in SC II as 2058.2 " US market (Berk) October 1997" but notes a control mark that is apparently incorrect in the text as none of the Antiochus VII drachms from this particular sale match the control mark noted in the text of SC II from what I can determine.
Acquisition: 2008
Tantalus ID#35535
CNG wrote about this type as follows:
Tarsos had been a Seleukid mint nearly from the beginning of the kingdom's existence, and the reverse types of the early kings mainly followed the traditional Seleukid types, such as Apollo and Nike. Alexander I Balas introduced the Sandan type, honoring the local deity, on both his tetradrachms and drachms. As an usurper, Balas may have added the type in a bid to win-over the population at Tarsos. The type proved so popular that it was continued by all the following Seleukid kings. Nevertheless, these issues, particularly the drachms, are extremely rare until the reign of Alexander II Zebina. Fewer than ten Sandan drachms are known for Antiochos VII. [In actuality, there are >15]
Tarsos had been a Seleukid mint nearly from the beginning of the kingdom's existence, and the reverse types of the early kings mainly followed the traditional Seleukid types, such as Apollo and Nike. Alexander I Balas introduced the Sandan type, honoring the local deity, on both his tetradrachms and drachms. As an usurper, Balas may have added the type in a bid to win-over the population at Tarsos. The type proved so popular that it was continued by all the following Seleukid kings. Nevertheless, these issues, particularly the drachms, are extremely rare until the reign of Alexander II Zebina. Fewer than ten Sandan drachms are known for Antiochos VII. [In actuality, there are >15]
To see another type of Sandan depiction click here:
Close up of Sandan from this coin.
