The Anchor Alexanders of Babylon II

Coinage bearing an anchor symbol and the name of Alexander was struck at the Babylon II mint under Seleukos in the period 309/8-304/3 BC. An estimated 93 tetradrachm obverse dies were commissioned for this coinage, which can be divided into three groups of issues. Die links, stylistic affinities, and a rapid succession of changes in mint conventions establish a robust relative chronology within and between the three groups. In this we can discern five stages of mint operation from recommissioning through to decline and closure. The latter is characterised by recutting of reverse dies from which the anchor symbol was erased following Seleukos's assumption of the royal title. In the course of the mint's development, a senior official designated by the Pi mint mark played an important role that appears to have continued with his transfer via Uncertain Mint 6A (Opis) to Seleukeia on the Tigris. Tentatively, this official is identified as Polyarchos, a hyparch in Babylonia who, accompanied by 1,000 troops, joined Seleukos when the latter returned to Babylonia in 312/11 BC.