The Numismatic Production of Antiochos IV: Tool of Diplomacy or Legitimacy? A Quantifying Approach of Hoard Evidence
The Numismatic Production of Antiochos IV: Tool of Diplomacy or Legitimacy? A Quantifying Approach of Hoard Evidence

Summary/Abstract: This article proposes a quantitative reading of the hoard evidence concerning the coinproduction of Antiochos IV. The “Seleucid Hoard Database” (SHD) is used as the starting pointfor addressing the question of coinage as “tool of diplomacy or legitimacy” of the king’s reign.The demonstration, following a recent comparable analysis on the coinage of Antiochos III, ismeant to serve as a methodological manifest of the usefulness of large datasets, statistical analysesand quantifi cations when considering historical issues. The role of Antioch as a major mint isexamined, as well as the westward circulation patterns of Antiochos’ issues, while the quantitativeanalysis of obverse and reverse types serves as a reference point for the divinization of the kingand the political messages transmitted through his numismatic production.

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