The Coin Series SC 1401 of Antiochus IV and the Problem of “Festival” Coinage in the Seleucid Kingdom

The article analyses the coin series SC 1401, issued in the name of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV around 166 B.C. The peculiarities of its issuing and icono-graphy suggest a new type of coin which appeared in Asia Minor in early II century B.C. — the so-called "festival" coins or Festmünzen. The historical event to which the issue of this series was linked can be considered to be the festivals in Daphne, which took place in 166 B.C. The analysis of the coin ico-nography and the circumstances of the issuing of this series shows the creation of a new dynastic identity under Antiochus IV.