A Catalogue of the Civic Issues of Tarsus under Antiochus VII BCE 138-129

 As this is a work in progress, plating is complete for all known examples with peculiarities noted. As further research is completed this catalogue will be updated and this leads to the likelihood that the format as presently noted is subject to change.-JG

ANTIOCHUS VII (138-129 BC)

Tetradrachms

Obv. Diademed hd of Antiochus VII r., diadem ends falling straight behind, fillet border.

Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY, Altar within which Sandan stands on back of horned and winged lion, in outer left field, controls as indicated.

GROUP 1;  ΛY/ME

SC  2057a (R2/R3)

1.

A1

P1

17.12

SC 2057a; CSE 2, 584; Tkalec 23 (1992), 163

die link with Athena rev series A1=A4 Series 1

2.

A1

P2

16.89

London, BMC 37

Ex: Cilicia Hoard of 1848 (IGCH 1435); see Borrell, M. “Regal Syrian Tetradrachms found at Tarsus” NC 15 (1852-1853), pp. 46-47

Jameson photo

Gorny & Mosch updated photo

3.

A2

P3

16.87

Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 149 (2 Dec 2024), 308 Gorny & Mosch 225 (2014), 1660; Kricheldorf 29 (1975), 163; Jameson 1732

GROUP 2;  ΛY/ΔΙ

SC  2057b (R2/R3)

4.

A3

P1

16.86

ANS 1944.100.78070, Petrowicz Sale Naville X (1925), 1305

obv. die link between SC 2057a and 2055a (a Royal Workshop issue depicting Athena Nicephorus, see SCII p. 361.

5.

A3

P2

16.90

AHNS 434, CNA 21 (1992), 136;  Egger 41 (1912) Fenerly Bey, 725, Sartiges 493.

 

6.

A3

P2

15.81

CNG 399 Lot 239 (closing 14 June 2017) Ex: the estate of Thomas Bentley Cederlind

Photo sources: 1 & 5-A. Houghton, 2-BMC 37, 3-Jameson, 4-Naville X

Drachms

Obv. Diademed hd of Antiochus VII r., diadem ends falling straight behind fillet or dotted border.

Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY in two lines on r., EYEPΓETOY on l., Sandan standing r., on back of horned, winged lion-griffin r., the god wearing calathus, raising r. hand to 2’oclock and holding double-bladed axe in l., bow in gorytus over shoulder.

GROUP  1; (12 examples known R2)

outer left    outer right ΔΙ 

CSE 2, 587; SC 2058.2  (R2) dotted border

 

1.

A1

P1

4.09

CSE 479,  CNG 177, 123 (2007)

2.

A1

P1

3.79

Ex: Berk 98, 174 (1997) Ex: Eukratides, 2008 Vcoins stock# a8

Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

3.

A1

P1

4.13

Triton V, 1501 (2002) Auctiones 15 (1985), 197

 

4.

A1

P1

3.85

Ex: Eukratides VCOINS stock# cse10

Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

 

5.

A1

P1

3.98

CSE 2, 587

6.

A1

P1

3.86

Ex: Berk 98 (1997), 151

Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

7.

A1

P1

3.72

Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

8.

A1

P1

3.96

Ex: Roma Numismatics Auction V (23.3.2013) lot 467

Roma Numismatics Photo

Pegasi Photo

9.

A1

P1

3.81

Ex: Roma Numismatics E-Sale 16 (28-02-2015) Lot 239 Ex: Pegasi Numismatics XXXV (15 Nov 2016) Lot 209 (3.82g) (mis-identified as Antiochos IX SC 2356)

10.

A1

P1

4.00

Ex: Leu Numismatics Web Auction 20 (25-27.06.2022) lot 1570

listed as 12mm in error. 1h.

11.

A1

P1

4.11

Ex: CNG 516 lot 308 (18 May 2022)

19 mm, 12h

12.

A1

P1

4.0

Ex: Ronesans Auction 5 Lot 304 (13 October 2023)

18.7 mm misidentified by Auction house as Antiochos IX

13.

A1

P1

4.6

Ex: CNG 584 lot 361 (2 April 2025)

17.5 mm, 1h

14.

A1

P1

4.04

Ex: CNG 605 lot 344 (4 March 2026) From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, Ex: Geoff K. Gray 24 (19 Sept 1972) lot 578, Sir Hugh Pointer Collection

18 mm, 1h

Photo sources: 1 & 3, 11: CNG, 2,5-7:A. Houghton, 4: Vcoins

Obv. Diademed head of Antiochus VII r., diadem ends falling straight behind fillet border.

Rev. BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY in two lines on r., EYEPΓETOY on l., Sandan standing r.  on back of horned, winged lion-griffin r., the god wearing calathus, raising r. hand to 1’oclock and holding double-bladed axe in l., bow and quiver over shoulder.

GROUP  2;  Outer l. above ΛΥ outer l below ME (6 known examples, 3 stubby tail and 3 rounded)

CSE 2, 585 varieties SC 2058.1a (R3) [it appears upon further observation that two reverse dies were utilized in the striking of this control group. One showing the lion/panther with a short stubby tail (P2) and the other with a large semi-circular tail (P3) which appears to be the rarer of the two varieties-JG 12-20-17]   FILLET BORDER

http://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb41821922f

15.

A2

P2

3.67/3.68

Ex. Rhousopoulos/ Hirsch XIII; 4467 (1905) Ex: Ars Classica 10;1309 (1925) Ex: SNG Lockett 3163, Now in Paris



16. A2 P3 3.79 AHNS 1074 CSE 2, 585  Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

16.

A2

P3

3.79

AHNS 1074 CSE 2, 585

Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

16.

A2

P3

3.79

AHNS 1074

CSE 2, 585

 Tarsus(?) Hoard 1997 CH X; 338

17.

A2

P3

3.70

Ex: Naville X (1925), 1308; Naville 1 (Pozzi), 3002

 

 

18.

A2

P2

4.13

Ex: Roma Numismatics Auction V (23.3.2013) lot 466

 

19.

A2

P3

4.01

Ex: Akropolis Ancient Coins FPL (accessed 17 Dec 2017) #99

20.

A2

P3

4.18 g

17.6mm

Ex:  Ronesans Auction 6 (18 Nov 2023) lot 171

GROUP  3; Outer l. above ΛΥ outer l below ΠA (9 known examples, 3 obs dies)

CSE 2, 586 varieties SC 2058.1b (R3) FILLET BORDER

 

21.

A3

P3

4.00

Ex: Gorny & Mosch 122; 1413 (2003)

 

 

22.

A3

P3

4.00

CSE 2, 586, ex Lanz 74:266 (1995) AHNS 707

23.

a3?

p1?

4.10

BERLIN

Need photo

. 24.

A4

P3

3.95

Ex: Garth Drewry Collection, Ex: Coin Galleries (2002) lot 95, Ex: CNG 107:91 (2005)

Question whether this is a different control or a PI that is not struck up as the left leg of the LAMBDA is also not struck up. Cf #14 for comparison

 

 

. 25.

A5

P3

4.03

Imhoof-Bloomer, Monnaies Grecques, p. 435 #112, plate H #14

 

 

26.

A4

P3

CH X; 338  Tarsus Hd 1997?

27.	A4	P4		Private Collection	(no wts or other info available and controls are off flan, but based upon dies it would likely fit here) appeared on plate 7 of an article in Mediterranean Archaeology Vol 22/23, 2009/10 by Nicholas L. Wright entitled “Non-Greek Religious Imagery on the Coinage of Seleucid Syria” pp. 193-206

 

28.

A4

P4

4.13

Auktionen Münz Zentrum Köln 23(1975),191--Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland GmbH, Weil/Rh. 5 (Stuttgart 1999),255--Münzen & Medaillen GmbH   Auktion 46  (15 February 2018), 289;--- NUMISMATICA aRS cLASSICA, aUTUMN sALE 2025 (11 sEPT 25) LOT 2656

this piece, despite the fact that the controls are off the flan, appears to be from dies for group 3

29.

A4

P4

3.68

Kölner Münzkabinett (MA-Shops) MA-ID 1158800380 accessed 22 Dec 2018;  CNG 534:167 (15 March 2023)

this piece, was identified by dealer as SC 2058.1c when in fact it appears to belong to the dies for 2058.1b

30.

A4

P4

3.7

18 mm, Ex: Biga Numismatics Online Auction 13 (13.11.2022) lot 172

appears to be a die match with #28 above. posted with permission of the owner. AmbrOzie via Numis Forums

GROUP  4; Outer l. above ΛΥ outer l below ΔΙ

CSE 2, 586 varieties SC 2058.1c (R2) (8 examples known) FILLET BORDER



 

31.	A6	P5	4.07 g.	Vcoins; Pars Coins stock # PCW-G3097 (26-10-2010); Pegasi Numismatics XXV (08.11.2011) lot 191

32.

A6

P5

3.89

Ex: Hirsch 177 (10 Feb 1993) lot 421

33.

A6

P5

4.07

Egger 41 (1912) Fenerly Bey, 727; Jameson 2355

34.

A6

P5

4.08 g.

CNG EA 346: 196 (11 Mar 2015)

35.

A6

P5

4.11 g.

Ronesans Auction 6 (18 Nov 2023) Lot 172

 

36.

A6

P5

3.90 g.

Numismatik  Naumann, 47:196 (9 Oct 2016) CNG EA 525 lot 496 (18-19 Oct 2022) Ex: MNL Collection

37.

A6

P5

4.01 g.

Heritage Auctions Europe |   Coin Auction – Session 4   |   17 May 2018, Lot 2964

This is clearly a new die variety if this in fact SC 2058.1c. Though this reverse die does not appear to link to any of the known dies at this time and is likely unique.

  

38.

A6

A5

3.76

Demos Auctions (Warsaw) 52 (26 July 2025) lot 39

16 mm

39.

A6?

?

3.92

PARIS

Indistinguishable Controls:

 

 

40.

3.72

Controls indistinguishable

CH X; 338 Tarsus? Hoard 1997

This  coin belongs to groups 2-4 due to the position of Sandan's right arm in relation to the Group 1 issues.

© 2010-2026 Jayseth Guberman  LATEST UPDATE 21 February 2026

Small Lot of Seleucid Countermarks

                       A                                                       B                                                       C



A-Possibly Antiochus III?
AE 13 mm, 2.88 g
O: diad. hd rt.
R: Apollo on omphalos
c/m Anchor in circle approx. 5 x 7 mm

B- Demetrius I Soter BCE 162-150
AE 15 mm serratus, 3.12 g
O: Horse hd l.
R: elephant and slightly visible inscription.
SC 1646
SNG Spaer 1300 with anchor in rectangular c/m
this c/m is rectangular but is 5 x 3 mm and appears to be a trident (unlisted in SC for this type)

C- poss. Antiochus I SC 351.1 var. c/m 39?
AE 12 mm, 3.14 g
O: hd of king r
R: Apollo on omphalos
c/m anchor in circle 5mm dia. 

Greece/ Seleucid; Antiochus III BCE 223-187

AR Tetradrachm 16.8g/ 32mm/1h, Uncertain Mint 68, in N. Mesopotamia, from BCE 197

SC 1132.4 (this coin), WSM 857,  CH X , 292; 707 (this coin on plate 36)

O: diad. Hd of Antiochus III with mature features tousled hair, hairline beginning to recede at temple, diad ends falling straight behind, dotted border.

R: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ  on right ANTIOXOY on left, controls outer left placed sideways and reading downward.

Ex: "Pamphylia or Cilicia" Hoard, 2000  (Uncertain Findspot CH X; 292, Lot C)

Deposition c. 187/186 BCE

Known or published examples (4):

WSM 857, Newell 16.69 g

Hamburger Sale, June 1930, #422, pl. 13, 16.93 g

 (much thanks to Prof. Ted Buttrey for supplying a scan of this photo)

Naville Sale X, June 1925, #971, pl. 35 (cf NC 1912, pp. 245-6 #10, pl. ix, 12) 16.73 g.

 SC 1132.4 ex Pamphylia or perhaps Cilicia Hoard, 2000 (this coin) 16.8 g

Note: it appears that in the photographed examples shown here, there was one obverse die and at least three reverse dies. The Hamburger sale example is the only one that appears to be a different obs and rev die together (reverse appears somewhat barbaric by comparison as well).

This is an example found on MA Shops with the same obv. die but different reverse and apparently unlisted and unpublished control combo reversed from the aforementioned positions. 30mm, 16.85g, 13h. still available at a reasonable price (as of 1 May 2011) http://www.ma-shops.com/cgb/item.php5?id=30799&lang=en for € 350,00 (USD 517)

McClean Collection of Greek Coins

The three volumes plus plates of the McClean Collection are now available in our links on the left side column of this page or click on the catalogue link below.

The volumes are:

• Catalogue of the McClean collection of Greek coins. Vol. I: Western Europe, Magna Graecia, Sicily / by S.W. Grose
• Catalogue of the McClean collection of Greek coins. Vol. II: The Greek mainland, the Aegaean islands, Crete / by S.W. Grose
• Catalogue of the McClean collection of Greek coins. Vol. III: Asia Minor, Farther Asia, Egypt, Africa / by S.W. Grose

Greece/Seleucid; Antiochus III BCE 223-187

AE 15 mm, 1.65 g., Tyre mint, after BCE 198.

SC 1081, HSC 563 (S)

O: diad. hd of Antiochus r, with mature to elderly features and baldness at temple. dotted border.

R:  ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY around, palm tree, dotted border. no controls.

found in Israel.

Greece; Seleucid; Alexander Balas BCE 152-145

AE 18 mm, 4.7 g., Apamea on Orontes mint

SC 1805.2d, SNG Spaer 1450

O: Hd of Alexander rt in lion skin, dotted border

R: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, on r., AΛEΞANΔPOY on l., Apollo stg l., testing arrow and resting hand on grounded bow.

Symbol: Palm Branch outer left.

Control in ex.

Greece/Seleucid; Antiochus IV Epiphanes BCE 175-164

AE 16 mm, 3.09 g., 12h,  Ptolemaïs Ake mint c. BCE 175-173/2

SC 1478.2b, SNG Spaer 1043, HSC 725 (R2)

O: hd of Apollo r., control behind head

R: Apollo std on omphalos l. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ  on r., ANTIOXOY on left, Aphlaston on far left, Δ in ex.

Time Lapse Video of Excavation of the Frome Hoard (click on link below)

Great timelapse video of the excavation

According to a note at Flickr, this was compiled from three days worth of photos.

Yahoo coverage of Frome Hoard   (with a few more pix but mostly covered in write up below)

or for even better coverage click on the link below to the PAS website for great coverage of this interesting and important find:

Portable Antiquities Scheme Article about the Frome Hoard with photos of the coins and excavation

UK treasure hunter finds 52,000 Roman coins

By ROBERT BARR, Associated Press Writer Robert Barr, Associated Press Writer Thu Jul 8, 6:39 am ET

LONDON – A treasure hunter has found about 52,500 Roman coins, one of the largest such finds ever in Britain, officials said Thursday.
The hoard, which was valued at 3.3 million pounds ($5 million), includes hundreds of coins bearing the image of Marcus Aurelius Carausius, who seized power in Britain and northern France in the late third century and proclaimed himself emperor.
Dave Crisp, a treasure hunter using a metal detector, located the coins in April in a field in southwestern England, according to the Somerset County Council and the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
The coins were buried in a large jar about a foot (30 centimeters) deep and weighed about 160 kilograms (350 pounds) in all.
Crisp said a "funny signal" from his metal detector prompted him to start digging.
"I put my hand in, pulled out a bit of clay and there was a little radial, a little bronze Roman coin — very, very small, about the size of my fingernail," Crisp said in an interview with the BBC.
He recovered about 20 coins before discovering that they were in a pot, and realized he needed expert help.
"Because Mr. Crisp resisted the temptation to dig up the coins it has allowed archaeologists from Somerset County Council to carefully excavate the pot and its contents, ensuring important evidence about the circumstances of its burial was preserved," said Anna Booth, of Somerset Council.
Somerset Coroner Tony Williams scheduled an inquest Thursday to formally determine whether the find is subject to the Treasure Act, a formal step toward determining a price to be paid by any institution which wishes to acquire the hoard.
The hoard is one of the largest ever found in Britain, and will reveal more about the nation's history in the third century, said Roger Bland, of the British Museum. The find includes more than 760 coins from the reign of Carausius, the Roman naval officer who seized power in 286 and ruled until he was assassinated in 293.
"The late third century A.D. was a time when Britain suffered barbarian invasions, economic crises and civil wars," Bland said.
"Roman rule was finally stabilized when the Emperor Diocletian formed a coalition with the Emperor Maximian, which lasted 20 years. This defeated the separatist regime which had been established in Britain by Carausius.
"This find presents us with an opportunity to put Carausius on the map. School children across the country have been studying Roman Britain for decades, but are never taught about Carausius our lost British emperor."
The discovery of the Roman coins follows last year's discovery of a hoard of Anglo-Saxon coins in central England. The so-called Staffordshire Hoard included more than 1,500 objects, mostly made from gold.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a department of the British Museum which deals with treasure finds.

Link to Weber Plates

Here is the link to the plates for the Hermann Weber Collection texts that we linked to a while back. This link should now make the 3v online Weber complete. Just cut and paste.

http://people.virginia.edu/~jdk3t/WeberPlates/

Greece/Seleucid; Demetrius II Nikator BCE 129-125 (Second Reign)

AE 18 mm, 5.17 g, 12h, Beirut mint.

SC 2185, CSE 710 v, HSC 1135 (R2)

O: diad., hd r. beardless, diad ends falling straight behind (though obv is o/c), dotted border.

R: ΒΑ[ΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ] curving on r., in Phoenician script curving to left “Of Laodicea, mother (i.e. metropolis) in Canaan”. Ba’al Berit (Poseidon) stg facing holding phiale and trident, dotted border. Rev. mintmark ΛA to l., and Phi with O above to right. With control in r. field above.