Designs of Seleucid coins tend to emphasize the Greco-Macedonian cultural heritage of the empire. Images of Seleucid royals in the manner of Alexander portraits were common, as were Greek deities and heroes. These coins circulated from Syria to Afghanistan, and later served as models for coins minted in Hellenistic eastern city-states, such as Bactria.

The front side of this early Seleucid coin features a portrait of Alexander himself, while the reverse side shows winged Nike, goddess of victory, placing a crown on a suit of armor. The design performs a political function, for by paying tribute to Alexander in this manner, Seleucus I emphasizes his own legitimacy as Alexander's successor, thus justifying his seizure of the Macedonian Empire's eastern half upon Alexander's death.