The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 29, 2025

Tetradrachm: Head of Antiochos V (obverse); Zeus (reverse)

164–162 BCE

Greek, Seleukid, minted at Antioch , reign of Antiochos V

(Syria)

silver

Diameter: 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.)

Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.975

Location: not on view

Did You Know?

Antiochos V’s boyish portrait reflects his accession to the Seleucid throne at 9 years of age.

Description

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.

Pevnick, Seth. "Ancient Artworks Echo the Origins of the Olympic Games," Medium (July 2021). medium.com
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Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.975