Tetradrachm: Head of Antiochos V (obverse); Zeus (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.975)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
164–162 BCE
Thrust into power while still a child, Antiochos V used coinage to legitimize his tenuous control. On the obverse of this coin, Antiochos appears like many Hellenistic kings, with heavy hair curls and a diadem.
On the reverse, a seated Zeus holds the goddess of victory, Nike, who crowns Antiochos’s name with a wreath, confirming his divine right to rule. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1916.975: Tetradrachm: Head of Antiochos V (obverse); Zeus (reverse), 164–162 BCE. Greek, Seleukid, minted at Antioch (Syria), reign of Antiochos V. Silver; diameter: 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.). Inscribed: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ | ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ | ΕΥΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ (Of the king Antiochos born of a noble father); Τ within Π (Reverse; ligature).
Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Antiochos V’s boyish portrait reflects his accession to the Seleucid throne at 9 years of age.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- silver
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.)
- Material and technique
- silver
Design
- Inscriptions
- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ | ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ | ΕΥΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ (Of the king Antiochos born of a noble father); Τ within Π (Reverse; ligature)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 164–162 BCE
- Culture period
- Greek, Seleukid, minted at Antioch (Syria), reign of Antiochos V
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1916.975
- Published references
- Pevnick, Seth. "Ancient Artworks Echo the Origins of the Olympic Games," Medium (July 2021).
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references (e.g. SNG, RPC, RIC) against numismatic literature.