Author/Authors :
IOSSIF, Panagiotis P. Belgian School at Athens, Greece , IOSSIF, Panagiotis P. University of Liège, Belgium , LORBER, Catharine C. American Numismatic Society, USA
Abstract :
A new specimen of Seleucos Nikator s bronze coin with the types seated figure/homed elephanthead (SC 25) reveals details that identify the obverse type as Dionysos in his aspect as patron of Indian war elephants. Elephants are prominent on the coinage of Seleucos, where they serve as symbols of kingship and victory. Dionysos is represented on an important silver coinage of Susa that celebrates Seleucos victory at Ipsos. The Dionysos/homed elephant head bronzes may celebrate the same victory, or possibly that at Korupedion. Though a royal god under Seleucos, Dionysos mysteriously disappeared from the coinage of his successors until the reign of Seleucos IV. However the homed portraits of Seleucos II and Antiochos Ill may assimilate these kings to Dionysos.
