© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Dichalkon - Alexander I Balas 150 BC - 146 BC
| Bronze | 6.5 g | 18.5 mm |
| Issuer | Seleucid Empire (Seleucid Empire (305 BC - 64 BC)) |
|---|---|
| King | Alexander I Balas (150 BC - 145 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 150 BC - 146 BC |
| Value | Dichalkon (1⁄24) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 6.5 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#427364 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Apollo standing left, holding arrow and grounded bow; star to outer left, sometimes monogram in exergue.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Translation: King Alexander (I, Balas)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Greek and Persian influences in its design. The obverse (front) side of the coin depicts a portrait of Alexander I Balas, who was a Greek king of the Seleucid Empire, while the reverse (back) side features an image of the Persian goddess Artemis. This blending of cultural influences reflects the complex history of the Seleucid Empire, which was founded by a Greek general but eventually came to encompass a vast territory that stretched from Greece to India, and incorporated many different cultures and religions.
