Persian Treasury
Ruler

Coinage of Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid)

1 catalogued issue of Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) — metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions with references.

In short

Antiochus I Soter (281–261 BCE) consolidated the eastern half of the Seleucid empire and put his own realistic portrait on a tetradrachm coinage struck from Syria to Bactria. Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 261 BCE – 281 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Magnesia on the Maeander.

Catalogued
1
Eras
1
Metals
1
Denominations
2

Key facts

Key facts about Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) in the Persian Treasury catalogue
Catalogued pieces1
Date range261 BCE – 281 CE
Eras representedSeleucid Persia
MetalsSilver
DenominationsDrachm, Tetradrachm
MintsMagnesia on the Maeander
Reign281–261 BCE
ParentageSeleucus I and Apama of Sogdiana
Standard typeApollo seated on omphalos
WeightAttic tetradrachm ≈17 g

Holding the east

Son of Seleucus I and the Iranian noblewoman Apama, Antiochus was the first Seleucid with a foot in both worlds, and he governed the eastern satrapies as co-ruler before inheriting the throne. His epithet Soter, 'saviour', comes from a victory over invading Galatians.

His coinage standardises the Apollo-on-omphalos reverse that becomes the Seleucid signature type, struck on the Attic standard at Seleucia, Susa, Ecbatana, Bactra and elsewhere.

Portraiture and attribution

Seleucid portraits are individual enough to attribute by face, and Antiochus's long nose and heavy brow are recognisable across mints. Control marks and monograms then narrow the workshop.

Eastern-mint tetradrachms are the coins that matter for Iranian collections: they are the money of the Greek administration of the plateau in the century between Alexander and the Parthians.

Seleucid Persia · 312 – 141 BCE

Era overview →

Early Seleucid Tetradrachm

Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid)

281–261 BCE

Anchor symbol referenced the Seleucid dynasty's founding legend.

Frequently asked about Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid)

What does Soter mean?
'Saviour' in Greek — an epithet awarded to Antiochus I after he defeated invading Galatians in Asia Minor.
Why is Antiochus I relevant to Iranian numismatics?
His eastern mints at Seleucia, Susa, Ecbatana and Bactra produced the coinage that circulated on the Iranian plateau under Greek administration.
What coins did Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) issue?
Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 261 BCE – 281 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Magnesia on the Maeander.
How many Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
1 item, dated 261 BCE – 281 CE, spread across 1 era: Seleucid Persia.
Which metals were used for Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) coinage?
Silver. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
Which denominations are associated with Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid)?
Drachm, Tetradrachm. Every denomination has its own reference page with dated examples.
Where were Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid) coins minted?
Recorded mints include Magnesia on the Maeander.

Explore related hubs

Denominations here

Metals here