SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Gaius Cassius Longinus. 53-51 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.07 g, 12h). In the name and types of the Seleucid king Philip I Philadelphus. VF.

Electronic Auction 615
Lot: 530. Estimated: $ 750

Roman Provincial, Silver

Sold For $ 1 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Gaius Cassius Longinus. 53-51 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.07 g, 12h). In the name and types of the Seleucid king Philip I Philadelphus. Diademed head of Philip I right within fillet border / Zeus Nikephoros enthroned left, holding Nike and long scepter; thunderbolt above, monogram of Cassius to lower inner left, monogram below throne. McAlee 3; RPC I 4126; SC 2489.3; Prieur 3. Minor marks, traces of find patina. VF. Rare.

From the Elie Abd Alhay Collection.

Gaius Cassius Longinus took part in the campaign against Parthia that culminated in the Battle of Carrhae, one of Rome’s most humiliating military losses, where he served as quaestor to the general Marcus Licinius Crassus. When Crassus was killed in the battle, Cassius retreated to Syria with the remaining Roman army and assumed the governorship from 53-51 BC, at which time this rare series of tetradrachms was struck. He returned to Rome in 50 BC amidst the growing conflict between Julius Caesar and Pompey, choosing to serve as naval commander for the latter. Caesar eventually pardoned Cassius and even appointed him legate. Despite Caesar’s clemency, Cassius became one of the chief architects in the plot to assassinate the dictator perpetuo in March of 44 BC. Two years later, following his defeat at Philippi, Cassius took his own life.

Closing Date and Time: 12 August 2026 at 12:56:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.