Coin: Syria

This Greek coin is a bronze of unknown denomination. It is from somewhere in modern day Syria. It was struck in the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE or in the mid-3rd century. The obverse is a profile of Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, war, and peace, wearing a Corinthian helmet. The reverse is a standing Nike, winged Greek goddess of victory. To the left of Nike are the letters ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ (Sigma Epsilon Lambda Epsilon Upsilon Kappa Omicron Upsilon) denoting it as being minted under the reign of Seleucus I, a general of Alexander the Great’s or Seleucus II. To the right of Nike the letters are harder to make out, but it could be that they are ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩ (Beta Alpha Sigma Iota Lambda Epsilon Omega) the Greek word for king.

Sear, David R. Greek Coins and their Values, Vol. II. London: Seaby, 1979.