Civilization: Seleucid Empire
Ruler: Seleukos II Kallinikos
Mint: Sardis
Year: 246 - 242 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Chalkon
Diameter: 20.9mm
Weight: 6.62g
Reference:

Obverse
Head of Athena to right wearing crested Corinthian / Attic helmet

Reverse
Apollo standing left, leaning upon bow and holding arrow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ

Seleukos II Kallinikos reigned from 246 to 225 BCE, a turbulent period marked by internal conflicts and territorial losses for the Seleucid Empire. He ascended the throne during the Third Syrian War against Ptolemaic Egypt, which resulted in the loss of valuable territories in Syria and Asia Minor. A civil war with his brother, Antiochus Hierax, further weakened the empire as Antiochus seized parts of Asia Minor. Seleukos struggled to maintain control, with various regions asserting independence amidst the chaos. Despite his title "Kallinikos" (meaning "Beautiful Victor"), his reign saw the empire’s influence significantly reduced. His turbulent rule set the stage for ongoing challenges for his successors.