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A FAMILY AFFAIR. During the reign of Seleucus IV , the Seleucids turned increasingly to their Syrian vassals for financial support. As the new inscription indicates, Seleucus took the bold step of involving himself in local religious affairs, no doubt hoping to gain unfettered access to much-needed treasure.

The busts on these silver tetradrachm coins were directly inspired by much older coins depicting Alexander the Great. Like Alexander, all three Seleucid rulers are shown with flowing locks and wearing a diadem, or royal headband.