weight 17,09gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.

obv. Head of youthful Herakles, with the features of Alexander (?),
in lion′s skin headdress to right
rev. Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left on throne, his legs crossed,
holding eagle on his outstretched right hand and long scepter in his left;
monogram in wreath in field to left, MI beneath seat of throne,
AΛEΞANΔPOY to right

Seleukos was appointed satrap of Babylon in 320 BC and ruled at Babylon for five years, until his flight from Antigonos I Monophthalmus in 315 BC. During his tenure he won the approval of the Babylonians, and he was welcomed warmly on his return in 311 BC. A counterattack by Antigonos′ son Demetrios later in the year required the evacuation of Babylon and inflicted severe damage on the city. But over the course of the next several years Seleukos successfully defended Babylonia against the Antigonids. The foundation of Seleukia on the Tigris is presumed to have undermined the importance of Babylon, but Babylonian records indicate that the Seleukid kings continued to visit the city on important occasions.

After Seleukos′ return to Babylon in 311 BC, coinage of native satrapic types (lion staters and associated fractions) were initiated, but also coins of the Alexandrine type (tetradrachms and associated fractions). Babylon′s principal workshop was responsible for the main series of Alexander coinage, showing continuity with the conqueror′s lifetime and early posthumous coinage. After circa 294/3 BC the mint at Babylon was closed and its personnel transferred to the new capital at Seleukia on the Tigris.

Müller 734 ; SC 82.5b ; Price 3747 ;
SNG Saroglos 646 ; HGC 9, 10f
Beautiful coin of great style and with excellent details.
xf/xf-

weight 16,91gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.

obv. Head of Seleukos I right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin
and adorned with bull′s ears and horns, panther skin tied around neck
rev. Nikè standing right, wearing peplos, crowning with wreath military
trophy set on sapling tree, from which branch sprouts near base, consisting
Macedonian arms; shield, greaves and helmet, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ at right, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ at
left AP in lower left field, AΠ monogram to right, facing head of Helios bust between.

The obverse of this tetradrachm we see a bust of a hero, assimilating King Seleukos I, the deified Alexander the Great and the god Dionysos. He wears a helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with a bull′s horns and ear. All of these are attributes of Dionysus, the god of wine but also of eternal life, who rode about on a panther and could transform himself into a bull. According to myth, Dionysus conquered India through his mysterious power; thus Alexander, who conquered parts of India by force of arms, could be seen as a second Dionysus. The coin type is yet more complex, because the issuer of this coin, Seleukos I, had repeated Alexander′s exploit of campaigning in western India. Thus he could claim to be a third Dionysus and a second Alexander, and this is undoubtedly implied by the heroic image.

Depicted on the reverse is Nike, the winged goddess of victory, crowning a trophy of arms. After a battle, the victors gathered arms from their fallen foes and attached them to a tree trunk to form a quasi-human figure. This trophy became the god of the battlefield, to which prayers of thanksgiving were offered. In this case the trophy probably alludes to the Battle of Ipsus (301 BC), in which Seleukos secured his kingdom with the aid of the war elephants he had acquired through his Indian campaign.

Newell ESM.301 ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 173,16 ;
Sear - (cf. 6833) ; HGC 9, no.20 RR
Very rare historical coin.
vf-/vf

weight 16,26gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.
Posthumous issue in name of Seleukos I, during the reign of Antiochos II (261-246 BC)

obv. Head of young Herakles right, clad in the skin of a lion
rev. Zeus entroned left, holding eagle and sceptre, monogram on left,
below throne AB, on right ΣEΛEYKOY, below BAΣIΛEΩΣ

Newell WSM.1225 ; Houghton & Lorber 576-2 RR
vf-

weight 16,11gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.

obv. Head of youthful Herakles in lion′s skin headdress to right
rev. Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left on throne, holding Nikè on his outstretched
right hand and long scepter in his left, ANTIOXOY on right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ below,
monogram in field to left and below seat

Following the elevation of the crown prince Antiochos to the coregency in 294, Seleukia emitted a series of Zeus Nikephoros tetradrachms in his name. Newell dated these to the early years of Antiochos′ sole reign, but Waggoner published die and control links to the series in the name of Seleukos and deduced a coregency date for at least part of Antiochos′ coinage (ANSMN 15, pp.24-26). Kritt′s recent hoard studies led him to conclude that production of coinage in the name of Antiochos began circa 294 BC, so that the two series, in name of Seleukos and in name of Antiochos, may have been minted simultaneously for a time. The deterioration of the obverse dies, however, invites the interpretation that the coinage for Antiochos succeeded that for Seleukos. Highly interesting coin and unpublished with these combination of control marks. Extremely rare.

BMC- ; Newell- ; Houghton & Lorber- (cf. 120.6) ; Sear- (cf.6864) RRR
Some minor old scratches, but very attractive style.
vf+

weight 3,24gr. ; silver Ø 15mm.

obv. Head of young Herakles wearing Nemean lion-skin headdress
rev. Club, quiver and bow, monogram in wreath in left field,
M in right field

This denomination reflects the traditional divisional system of the Macedonian Kingdom, which employed a silver stater of five drachms under Archelaus and his successors through Philip II. This very unusual  denomination was only minted in Babylon on a very little scale. Only a few examples are known of this coin type. Extremely rare and of numismatic importance.

Müller - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; Price 3743 ; SNG Spaer -;
SC 84 var. = A. Spaer, "A New Type of Alexander the Great?"
INJ 5 (1981), 1 var. (H to right) ESM -; SNG Spaer -  RRRR
vf-

weight 16,98gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos I right
rev. Nude figure of Herakles seated to left on lion’s skin covering a rock.
His left hand rests upon the rock, his right upon club placed before him,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left, two monograms in exergue

Newell attributed this type to an ephemeral mint at Magnesia at Sipylum. Based on die evidence its brief coinage was facilitated by provision of an obverse die from Smyrna. This is one of the earliest issues of the weary Herakles type, which belongs late in the reign of Antiochos I and Newell suggested an association with the war against Eumenes I of Pergamon (263-261). The significance of the design is uncertain but may reflect the personal situation of the aging Antiochos, resting like Herakles after many labors. Very rare.

BMC  - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.Spaer - ; Newell WSM.- (cf. 1456) ; 
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 318c ; Sear - ; HGC 9, no.129 (R2)  RR
(cf. CNG Auction 109, lot 215 in good vf; 5.500 USD + 20%)
vf-

weight 16,43gr. ; silver Ø 26mm.

obv. Head of youthful Herakles in lion′s skin headdress to righ
rev. Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left on throne, holding eagle on his outstretched
right hand and long scepter in his left, ΣEΛEYKOY on right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ below,
monogram in field to left and below seat

Susa continued to issue Alexandrine tetradrachms in the name of Seleukos I Nikator
throughout the reign of his successor Antiochos I Soter. Rare.

SNG.Spaer 309 ; Newell ESM.349 ; 
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 399.6c ; HGC 9, no.124 R
Lovely strike. Very attractive.
xf-vf+

weight 5,71gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Zeus right
rev. Thunderbolt, club and  BAΣIΛEΩΣ above,
ANTIOXOY and jaw-bone of boar below  

BMC 41 ; SNG.Copenhagen 70 ; Newell WSM.949 ;
Houghton & Lorber 343 ; Sear 6880
attractive coin with dark patina
about vf

weight 2,59gr. ; bronze Ø 13mm.

obv. Facing bust of Athena, wearing triple-crested helmet
rev. Nikè advancing left, holding wreath and palm, monogram in circle in outer left field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left

Countermark; ′anchor in rectangular punch′ on the reverse.

BMC 58 ; SNG.Copenhagen 77 ; Newell WSM.1369 ;
Houghton & Lorber 315 ; SNG.Spaer 233 ; Sear 6868
Attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 16,98gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Elderly head of Antiochos I, diademed, right
rev. Apollo, naked but for drapery over right thigh, seated to left on the Omphalos.
He holds an arrow in his outstretched right hand, and rest his left upon his bow,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left, monogram in outer left and right field

BMC 14 (Antiochos I) ; SNG.Spaer 382 ; Newell ESM.178 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 587.1a ; cf. Sear 6886 ; HGC 9, no. 236g
attractive, well centered specimen with good portrait
vf

weight 16,72gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.

obv. Elderly head of Antiochos I, diademed, right
rev. Apollo, naked but for drapery over right thigh, seated to left on the Omphalos.
He holds an arrow in his outstretched right hand, and rest his left upon his bow,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left, MAP-monogram in outer left field,
ΠAO-monogram in outer right field

BMC 18 ; SNG.Spaer 390 ; Newell ESM.189 ;
Houghton & Lorber 587.4b ; cf. Sear 6886
vf

weight 16,51gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Elderly head of Antiochos I, diademed, right
rev. Apollo, naked but for drapery over right thigh, seated to left on the Omphalos.
He holds an arrow in his outstretched right hand, and rest his left upon his bow,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left, MAP-monogram in outer left field,
ΠAO-monogram in outer right field

BMC- ; Spaer- ; Newell ESM.190 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 587.4 ; cf. Sear 6886
Minor traces of oxidation.
vf-

weight 16,80gr. ; silver Ø 31mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos II right
rev. Apollo, nude, seated to left on the Omphalos, holding arrow in right
hand and resting his left hand in grounded bow, monogram (very faint) in
outer left field, AI-monogram and ΘE-monogram in exergue,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

Thracian Lysimacheia was founded by Lysimachos and housed one of his major mints. Antiochos II probably used Lysimacheia as a military base, perhaps for his conflict with Byzantion and almost certainly for his Thracian campaign (after 253 BC). It is therefore plausible that the minting in Lysimacheia for Antiochos II mainly took place from about 253 BC. The city′s substantial coinage follows the pattern of many Asia Minor series, initially with the portrait of Antiochos I Soter, followed by issues with the portrait of Antiochos II Theos.

In Newell WSM and SC, the AI-​​monogram is mentioned, but placed in the outer left field and not in the exergue. Moreover, that AI-monogram is of a different design. This variant, with the AI-​​monogram and ΘE-monogram both placed in the exergue, is not mentioned in the relevant reference works. As such very rare.

BMC - ; SNG.Spaer - ; Newell WSM.1619var. ; Sear- ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 483.7var. ; cf. HGC 9, no. 238a  RR
Struck on a broad flan. Very rare.
vf

weight 16,56gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos II right
rev. Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding bow in right hand, his left hand resting
on omphalos, monogram in outer left field,  BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOYon left

After the defeat of Antiochos II near Sardes in 262 BC, also the city of Ephesos came into possession of Ptolemaios II of Egypt. About 258-257 BC a mutiny broke out among Tracian troops in Ephesos and Antiochos II re-occupied the city. Later, after his marriage with Berenice in 252 BC, he took up his residence in Ephesos. Here he died early in 246 BC. During this period a small serie of coins were probably struck in the Royal Mint of this city. Very rare.

BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen-  ; Newell WSM.1488 ;
Houghton & Lorber 543-4 ; HGC 9, 239 (R2)  RR

Attractive portrait of good style.
vf

weight 17,02gr. ; silver Ø 31mm.

obv. Head of Antiochos I, diademed, right
rev. Nude figure of Herakles seated to left on lion′s skin covering a rock.
His left hand rests upon the rock, his right upon club placed before him,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left, one handle vase in outer left field,
AP-monogram left below, E and MYO-monogram in exergue, monogram right below

BMC - ; SNG.Spaer - ; Newell WSM.1522 ; cf. Sear 6888 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 505.2a ; HGC 9, 241c  RR
vf

weight 17,08gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.

obv. Rejuvenated and idealized head of Antiochos I, diademed, right
rev. Nude figure of Herakles seated to left on lion′s skin covering a rock.
His left hand rests upon the rock, his right upon club placed before him,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left, amphora in outer right field,
ΩI-monogram and arrowhead in exergue

The amphora, civic badge of Myrina, clearly identifies the mint. This issue shared the control mark ΩI-monogram with Phocaea and especially Kyme, suggesting that all may have operated under a single mint authority that dictated their use of identical types. They probably represent a response to the external threats posed Ptolemaios II and/or Eumenes I of Pergamon. Extremely rare.

BMC - ; SNG.Spaer - ; Newell WSM.1522 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 505.2a ;
cf. Sear 6888 ; HGC 9, 241c (R3) RRR
attractive style
vf

weight 4,11gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos II right
rev.  Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand, his left hand 
resting on bow, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right ANTIOXOY to left, NK-monogram inner left below,
AI-monogram below omphalos

The Tarsos mint increased in importance under Antiochos II. Cilicia was a principal theatre in the Second Syrian War (261-253 BC), in which Ptolemaios II of Egypte seized Cilicia Trancea (western Cilicia). Newell suggested that Tarsos’precious metal coinage was connected with the defense of Cilicia Pedius (eastern Cilicia), and that it continued without interruption until the death of Antiochos II, when Ptolemaios III occupied Tarsos and took over the mint establishment. Tetradrachms with these controlmarks are known and published in the reference literature, but until now no drachms were known from this issue, with these control marks. Seems to be unpublished. Extremely rare.

Newell WSM.- (cf. 1301 = tetradrachm) ; SNG.Spaer- ; 
Houghton & Lorber - (cf. 562 = tetradrachm); HGC 9, -- (cf. 247d) RRRR
Traces of oxidation on the obverse, otherwise attractive coin,
struck on a broad flan of good style and with fine details.
vf+

weight 2,51gr. ; bronze Ø 14mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right
rev. Kithara (Lyre), Σ in outer left field, monogram outer right field
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

BMC- ; SNG.Spaer 366 ; Newell WSM.1392 ; SNG.Copenhagen 94 ;
cf. Houghton CSE, 603 ; Houghton & Lorber 528.7 ; HGC 9, 278 ; Sear- R
Rare and very attractive bronze coin with dark patina.
vf/vf+

weight 4,55gr. ; bronze Ø 17mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right
rev. Tripod, anchor below, two monograms in field to left and
monogram in field to right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left

cf. BMC 15 ; SNG. Spaer 360 ; Newell WSM.1404 ;
Houghton & Lorber 523 ; cf. Sear 6891 ; HGC 9, 253
attractive dark patina
vf à vf+

weight 1,80gr. ; bronze Ø 13mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right
rev. Kithara (Lyre), anchor below, Φ in outer right field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

BMC- ; SNG.Spaer - (cf. 365-366) ; Newell WSM.- (cf. 1392) ;
Sear- ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 94 ; cf. Houghton CSE, 603 ;
Houghton & Lorber 528.11  RR
Attractive bronze coin with dark patina. Very rare.
vf/vf+

weight 4,14gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.

obv. Dioscuri on horseback right, holding spear upright
rev. Athena standing right holding spear in upraised right hand and with
shield in left hand, horizontal anchor below, monogram in inner field right,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY

BMC- ; SNG.Spaer 348A ; Newell WSM.1314 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 87 ;
Houghton & Lorber 566.2 ; Sear-  R
Rare bronze coin with dark patina.
vf/vf-

weight 17,00gr. ; silver Ø 30mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod, 
two monograms in inner left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ΣEΛEYKOY

This tetradrachm emission of the Sardes mint probably reflect military
expenditures during the Third Syrian War (261-241 BC). Sardes was
governed for Seleukos II by his uncle Alexander.

BMC- ; SNG.Spaer- ; Newell WSM.- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;
Houghton & Lorber 654.1 ; Sear-  RR
vf

weight 16,37gr. ; silver Ø 30mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod,
monogram in outer left field, IΦ in outer right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ΣEΛEYKOY

With these control marks, this coin seems to be unpublished. Extremely rare.

BMC- ; SNG.Spaer- ; Newell WSM.- (cf .994) ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;
Houghton & Lorber- (cf. 702) ; Sear- RRR
vf+

weight 16,57gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right, with long and wavy sideburn
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod, 
AI-monogram in outer right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right,  ΣEΛEYKOY on left

The controlmarks of this mint are similar but not identical to the primary control of Nisibis tetradrachms, and the reverses also lack the dotted border of Nisibis. The portrait style differs from that of Nisibis, particularly in the finer texture of the king′s hair, which has an S-shaped lock at the back of the head not seen at any other mint. Most tellingly, the tendency towards fixed dies does not match the practice of Nisibis. Only few specimens are known of this type tetradrachm. Extremely rare.

BMC - ; Newell - ; Houghton & Lorber 731.2 ;
HGC 9, 303bb (R2/R3) ; Sear- RRR
Well-struck specimen with attractive toning.
vf/xf

weight 16,72gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left, ΔEΛ-monogram in outer left field,
M(H)T-monogram in outer right field

This mint opened during the interregnum of 246-244, apparently to meet some special need arising from the contested succession and/or the invasion of Ptolemaios III in Syria and Mesopotamia. It continued in operation through the reign of Seleukos II, was inactive under Seleukos III, and experienced a final short-lived revival under Antiochos III. Three dies from the Antioch mint were employed by the ΔEΛ mint, and several controls appear in both series. All indications point to a close association of the ΔEΛ mint with Antioch: perhaps it was a separate workshop within the mint, or a separate facility located in an Antioch suburb such as Daphne. Rare.

BMC 6  ; Newell WSM.- (cf. 1146 / Apamea) ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 704.1e ; HGC 9, 303r ; cf. Sear 6896 R
vf

weight 16,58gr. ; silver Ø 30mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod, 
monogram in outer right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right,  ΣEΛEYKOY to left

The inferior style and workmanship combined with influences from Cilicia and Syria Seleukis suggest the mint should be found in a contiguous but less thoroughly hellenized region, such as Commagene. Based on technical features, a mint west of Nisibis has been suggested bu Houghton.

BMC- (cf. 1) ; Newell WSM.1646 ; Houghton & Lorber 727.2 ;
HGC 9, 303p. ; Sear- (cf. 6896) RR
Minor traces of oxidation on the obverse.
Attractive example for the type. Very rare.
vf

weight 16,65gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod, 
ΔI in circle in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right,  ΣEΛEYKOY to left

BMC- (cf. 6) ; SNG.Spaer- ; Newell ESM- ; Houghton & Lorber- (cf. 742.1) ;
HGC 9, 303dd ; Sear-  RR
Struck with rusty and worn dies. Very rare.
vf/xf

weight 16,81gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting
elbow on tall tripod, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left,
ΘE-monogram over HP-monogram in inner left field,

BMC - ; Newell WSM.- ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 725 ;
SNG.Spaer 449 ; HGC 9, 303w (R3) ; Sear - (cf. 6896)  RRR
Light traces of oxidation, in particular at and near edge, on reverse.
Good portrait. Extremely rare.
vf

weight 16,45gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left, NK-monogram in outer left field,
ΔΦI-monogram in outer right field

Situated along the road from Assyria to Syria, Nisibis has always been an important trade center. Here, travelers had to cross the small river Mygdonius (″fruit river″ in Aramaic). There is not alternative for this road; to the south is the desert, where the average daytime temperature can be higher than 50°C.note Neither was it possible to take a more northerly route, because one would have to pass through the Izala mountains, which were well-known for their vines and arboriculture - and anyone who could produce wood, had a means to become rich in ancient Mesopotamia.

The Aramaic kingdom of ″Naşibīna″ is mentioned for the first time in an Assyrian source that can be dated to 901. Nisibis remained loyal to the Assyrian kings until the very end, even after the Babylonians had captured Nineveh (612). According to the Fall of Nineveh Chronicle, Nisibis was attacked by the Babylonian army in the ensuing year, which suggests that it remained loyal to the Assyrian dynasty, which, by now, resided in Harran. We hear next to nothing about Nisibis during the Babylonian age, but we may assume that the land was sometimes ravaged by Medes. In 539, the Babylonian Empire became part of the Achaemenid Empire, and it is possible that Nisibis was a battlefield during the Persian civil war of 522/521, when Darius′ general Vaumisa defeated the rebellious Armenians at a place called Izala, which may refer to the mountain range north of Nisibis.

Again, we do not hear much about Nisibis in this period, although countless people must have used the important road from east to west, or the other way round. In 333, Darius III Codomannus managed to lure Alexander the Great away from the Euphrates to the land east of the Tigris, where he hoped to defeat the Macedonian conqueror at Gaugamela. As we all know, it turned out differently, and a Macedonian dynasty, the Seleucids, was to rule over the Near East. There appears to have been a Macedonian garrison in Nisibis, and coins were struck in what was now called Antioch in Mygdonia - ″Mygdonia″ not only being a Macedonian toponym, but also a rendering of the Aramaic name of the country, which seems to have been derived from magda′, "fruit".

The Seleucid king Antiochus III the Great is known to have visited Nisibis in 220 BC and the Astronomical Diaries refer to an army of Antiochus VI Dionysus near Nisibis in the summer of 144. A Stoic philosopher named Apollophanes is said to have come from Nisibis. However, although part of the Graeco-Macedonian world, Nisibis did not really become a hellenized city. The Aramaic language remained dominant and the official name ″Antioch″ was forgotten once the Parthians had replaced the Seleucids as masters of Mesopotamia. It is probably significant that Cassius Dio calls the Nisibenes barbarians, i.e., people who did not speak Greek.

BMC-  ; Newell WSM.812 ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 748a ;
HGC 9, 303hh ; cf. Sear 6896 R
Minor traces of oxidation. Rare.
vf-

weight 16,80gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos right with short curly beard
rev. Apollo Delphios standing left, testing arrow and resting elbow on tall tripod,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left, two monogram inner left

Nisibis lay along the main road connecting Antiochia and Ekbatana. Around 300 BC Nisibis, at that time called ′Antioch on the Mygdonius′, wasn′t a very hellenized city nor was it stratigically important for the time. Although it was refounded as a Macedonian military colony under Seleukos I or just before, no major mint can be identified at Nisibis until the reign of Seleukos II. Newell connected this delopment with the city′s growing importance, and especially with Seleukos′ disastrious campaign to recover Parthia after it was overrun by Arsaces in circa 238 BC, when Nisibis may have served as a depot supporting the king′s advance position at Ekbatana. It seems to be the first recorded instance that a Seleukid King is depicted with a beard on a coin. Highly interesting and rare.

BMC - ; Newell WSM.819 ; HGC 9, 304b ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 749 (2) ; cf. Sear 6897 R
vf/vf-

weight 4,22gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos II right
rev. Apollo, nude, standing left, holding arrow in right hand and leaning
his left ellebow on tripod, AI-monogram in upper outer left field,
KA-monogram in outer right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΣEΛEYKOY to left

BMC- (cf. 11) ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; Newell WSM.1421 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 669-2 ; Sear- (cf. 6899) ;
HGC 9, 307a (R1/R2) R
Attractive specimen with good portrait. Rare.
vf

weight 4,20gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Head of Athena in Attic helmet right
rev. Apollo standing left, holding arrow in right hand, his left resting on bow,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right,  ΣEΛEYKOY on left, dot er very small letter circle in
outer left field

This emission is characterized by the very poor quality of the dies and execution aswell. Undoubtedly, these drachmas were minted in a provisional workshop, possibly a traveling military mint, lacking the experience of minting coins. This coin may have to do with Seleukos′ campaign in the years 245-241 BC. in Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Syria. His goal was to regain the territories conquered by Ptolemaios III of Egypt at the start of the Third Syrian War (246-241 BC). He partly succeeded in this and managed to recapture large parts of Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Syria, including in 244 BC the city of Antioch. Coin of poor style, but historically very interesting. Very rare.

BMC- ; SNG.Spaer- ; Newell WSM- (cf. 1009) ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) - (cf. Ad.169-170) ;
cf. HGC 9, 310e/f ; Sear- RR
Struck with rusty and worn and cracked dies.
vf-

weight 4,11gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos II  right
rev. Apollo standing left, testing arrow and leaning on bow, 
monograms in outer left and right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right,
ΣEΛEYKOY on left

BMC- ; Newell WSM.1637 ; Houghton & Lorber 722 ; 
Babelon no.247 (Pl.VII, 3) ; Sear- ; HGC 9 , no.306c (R2) RR
Struck with rusty dies, but unusual nice for the type. Very rare.
vf/xf à vf+

weight 4,04gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Head of Athena right in crested Corinthian helmet
rev. Apollo standing left, testing arrow in righ hand and resting
left hand on grounded bow, monograms in outer left and right field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left

Formerly this type was attributed to a mint in (eastern) Cilicia.
Modern scholars however regard a mint in Mesopotamia as most likely.
Very rare.

BMC- ; Newell WSM.1323 (Tarsos) ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 683-2 (Cilicia); 
Sear- (cf. 6900) ; HGC 9, no.310d (R1/R2)    RR
Usual somewhat weak and sloppy strike.
Excellent specimen for the type. Hard to find this nice.
xf-/vf-

weight 4,12gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Head of Athena right in crested Corinthian helmet
rev. Apollo standing left, testing arrow in righ hand and resting
left hand on grounded bow, monograms in outer left and right field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left

Formerly this type was attributed to a mint in (eastern) Cilicia.
Modern scholars however regard a mint in Mesopotamia as most likely.
Very rare.

BMC- ; Newell WSM.1323 (Tarsos) ; Sear- (cf. 6900) ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 683-2 (Cilicia); HGC 9, no.310d (R1/R2) RR
Some flatness of strike, which is usual for the type. Good portrait.
vf/vf-

weight 4,19gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed head of Seleukos II right
rev. Apollo, nude, standing left, holding arrow in right hand and resting
her left ellebow on tripod, monogram in outer left field, monogram in
outer right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left

Seleukia on the Tigris is named for Seleukos I Nikator, who enlarged an earlier settlement and made it the capital of his empire around 305 BC. It was the largest and most important of the many cities to bear its name but is sometimes distinguished as Seleukia on the Tigris (Latin: Seleucia ad Tigridem) from the name of its river. Although Seleukos soon moved his main capital to Antiochia on the Orontes, in northern Syria, Seleukia became an important center of trade, Hellenistic culture, and regional government under the Seleukids. The city was populated by Greeks, Syrians and Jews.

To make his capital into a metropolis, Seleukos forced almost all inhabitants of Babylon, except the local temple priests/supporting workers, to leave and resettle in Seleukia. A tablet dated 275 BC states that the inhabitants of Babylon were transported to Seleukia, where a palace and a temple (Esagila) were built. Standing at the confluence of the Tigris River with a major canal from the Euphrates, Seleukia was placed to receive traffic from both great waterways. During the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, it was one of the great Hellenistic cities, comparable to Alexandria in Egypt, and greater than Syrian Antiochia. Excavations indicate that the walls of the city enclosed an area of at least 550 hectares (1,400 acres), equivalent to a square roughly 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) on a side. Based on this size, the population has been estimated to number over 100,000 initially and probably more later. Its surrounding region might have supported half a million people.

In 141 BC, the Parthians under Mithridates I conquered the city, and Seleukia became the western capital of the Parthian Empire. Tacitus described its walls, and mentioned that it was, even under Parthian rule, a fully Hellenistic city. Ancient texts claim that the city had 600,000 inhabitants, and was ruled by a senate of 300 people. It was clearly one of the largest cities in the Western world; only Rome, Alexandria, and possibly Antiochia were more populous. In 55 BC, a battle fought near Seleukia was crucial in establishing dynastic succession of the Arsacid kings. In this battle between the reigning Mithridates III (supported by a Roman army of Aulus Gabinius, governor of Syria) and the previously deposed Orodes II, the reigning monarch was defeated, allowing Orodes to re-establish himself as king. In 41 BC, Seleukia was the scene of a massacre of around 5,000 Babylonian Jewish refugees (Josephus, Ant. xviii. 9, § 9). In 117 AD, Seleucia was burned down by the Roman emperor Trajanus during his conquest of Mesopotamia, but the following year it was ceded back to the Parthians by Trajan′s successor, Hadrianus, then rebuilt in the Parthian style. It was completely destroyed by the Roman general Avidius Cassius in 165.

BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; cf. Newell WSM.210B ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 766-2 ; Sear- (cf. 6899) ;
cf. HGC 9, no. 307g (R3) RRR
Extremely rare coin with attractive portrait.
vf

weight 4,13gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Head of Athena right in crested Attic helmet
rev. Nikè standing left, holding wreath and palm branch, 
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right,  ΣEΛEYKOY on left
monogram in outer left and outer right field

Seleukia on the Tigris is named for Seleukos I Nikator, who enlarged an earlier settlement and made it the capital of his empire around 305 BC. It was the largest and most important of the many cities to bear its name but is sometimes distinguished as Seleukia on the Tigris (Latin: Seleucia ad Tigridem) from the name of its river. Although Seleukos soon moved his main capital to Antiochia on the Orontes, in northern Syria, Seleukia became an important center of trade, Hellenistic culture, and regional government under the Seleukids. The city was populated by Greeks, Syrians and Jews.

To make his capital into a metropolis, Seleukos forced almost all inhabitants of Babylon, except the local temple priests/supporting workers, to leave and resettle in Seleukia. A tablet dated 275 BC states that the inhabitants of Babylon were transported to Seleukia, where a palace and a temple (Esagila) were built. Standing at the confluence of the Tigris River with a major canal from the Euphrates, Seleukia was placed to receive traffic from both great waterways. During the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, it was one of the great Hellenistic cities, comparable to Alexandria in Egypt, and greater than Syrian Antiochia. Excavations indicate that the walls of the city enclosed an area of at least 550 hectares (1,400 acres), equivalent to a square roughly 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) on a side. Based on this size, the population has been estimated to number over 100,000 initially and probably more later. Its surrounding region might have supported half a million people.

In 141 BC, the Parthians under Mithridates I conquered the city, and Seleukia became the western capital of the Parthian Empire. Tacitus described its walls, and mentioned that it was, even under Parthian rule, a fully Hellenistic city. Ancient texts claim that the city had 600,000 inhabitants, and was ruled by a senate of 300 people. It was clearly one of the largest cities in the Western world; only Rome, Alexandria, and possibly Antiochia were more populous. In 55 BC, a battle fought near Seleukia was crucial in establishing dynastic succession of the Arsacid kings. In this battle between the reigning Mithridates III (supported by a Roman army of Aulus Gabinius, governor of Syria) and the previously deposed Orodes II, the reigning monarch was defeated, allowing Orodes to re-establish himself as king. In 41 BC, Seleukia was the scene of a massacre of around 5,000 Babylonian Jewish refugees (Josephus, Ant. xviii. 9, § 9). In 117 AD, Seleucia was burned down by the Roman emperor Trajanus during his conquest of Mesopotamia, but the following year it was ceded back to the Parthians by Trajan′s successor, Hadrianus, then rebuilt in the Parthian style. It was completely destroyed by the Roman general Avidius Cassius in 165.

BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; Newell WSM.204A(addenda ESM) ;
Houghton & Lorber 765 ; Sear-  ; HGC 9, no. 309 (R3) RRR
Extremely rare coin type of great style and elegance.
vf+/vf

weight 4,16gr. ; bronze Ø 16mm.

obv. Head of young Herakles right, clad in lion′s skin
rev. Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow,
monogram(s) in outer left field, ΣA-monogram in outer right field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left

This bronze coin emission of the Sardes mint probably reflect military expenditures during the Third Syrian War (261-241 BC). Sardes was governed for Seleukos II by his uncle Alexander. Rare control marks.

BMC 46var. ; Newell WSM.1427var. ; SNG.Spaer - (cf. 443) ;
cf. Houghton & Lorber 657-11 ; HGC 9, 344 ; Sear 6914var. R
Attractive dark patina.
vf-

weight 1,76gr. ; bronze Ø 13mm.

obv. Head of young Herakles right, clad in lion′s skin
rev. Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow,
monogram MYP (?) in outer left and right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ΣEΛEYKOY

This bronze coin emission of the Sardes mint probably reflect military expenditures during the Third Syrian War (261-241 BC). Sardes was governed for Seleukos II by his uncle Alexander. With this controlmark is seems to be unpublised. Extremely rare.

BMC - ; Newell WSM.- ; cf. Houghton & Lorber 658 ;
cf. HGC 9, 375 (R2/R3) ; Sear-  RRR
Attractive bronze coin with dark patina.
vf

weight 4,58gr. ; bronze Ø 16mm.

obv. Head of Athena right in crested Attic helmet
rev. Apollo, nude, standing left, holding arrow in right hand and resting his left hand on grounded bow,
two monograms in outer left field, HΔ-monogram in outer right field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left

This bronze coin emission of the Sardes mint probably reflect military expenditures during the Third Syrian War (261-241 BC). Sardes was governed for Seleukos II by his uncle Alexander.

BMC- (cf. 17-21) ; Newell WSM.1659 ; SNG.Spaer 455 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 660-8 ; HGC 9, 345 ; Sear -
Attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 1,86gr. ; bronze Ø 12mm.

obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet
rev. Elephant head right, monograms above and below and in outer left field,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΣEΛEYKOY to left

This bronze coin emission of the Sardes mint probably reflect military expenditures during the Third Syrian War (261-241 BC). Sardes was governed for Seleukos II by his uncle Alexander.

BMC - ; Newell WSM.1662 (Smyrna) ; Houghton & Lorber 662 ; Sear- RR
Dark brown patina. Very rare.
vf-

weight 4,72gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right
rev. Tripod decorated with facing satyr mask, symbol below,
ΠA-monogram in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right,
ΣEΛEYKOY to left, anchor below

BMC- ; Newell WSM.- (cf. 1424) ; SNG.Spaer 442 ;
Houghton & Lorber 665.1 ; cf. Sear 6908
Very attractive bronze coin with dark patina.
vf/xf

weight 5,90gr. ; bronze Ø 21mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, hair rolled behind,
with loose wavy locks covering neck
rev. Large tripod, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left,
monogram in outer right field (off flan),  EY in outer left field

BMC page 23, 11-12 ; SNG.Copenhagen 113 ; Newell WSM.1017 ;
SNG.Spaer - (cf. 410) ; Houghton & Lorber 693 ; Sear 6908 ;
HGC 9, 327 (R1/R2) R
Attractive dark patina. Rare.
vf

weight 8,02gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.

obv. Bust of Athena in Corinthian helmet right
rev. Nikè standing left, holding wreath and resting hand on anchor, ΠA-monogram
in lower left inner field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on left

This mint opened during the interregnum of 246-244 BC, apparently to meet some special need arising from the contested succession and/or the invasion of Ptolemy III. It continued in operation through the reign of Seleukos II. Probably the mint was a separate workshop related with the mint of Antioch, perhaps in a suburb such as Daphne. A peculiarity of this mint′s bronze coinage is that different techniques were employed to prepare the flans of different denominations. Small denominations have the usual straight edge expected for Syrian issues, but flans for larger denominations show a bevelled obverse edge. Probably inspired by Egyptian coins introduced during the invasion of Ptolemy III. Rare.

BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen 118 ; Newell WSM.1172 ; HGC.9, 323
SNG.Spaer 423 ; Houghton & Lorber 713-2 ; Sear - (cf. 6910) R
Light off-centre strike. 
f/vf à vf-

weight 7,71gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, with corkscrew curls.
rev. Eagle standing right, palm branch on background.
A(B) in outer right field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, AXAIOY to left

Achaeus was a general and later a separatist ruler of part of the Greek Seleucid kingdom. He was the son of Andromachus, whose sister Laodice II married Seleucus Callinicus, the father of Antiochus III the Great. He accompanied Seleucus Ceraunus, the son of Callinicus, in his expedition across mount Taurus against Attalus I, and after the assassination of Seleucus Ceraunus revenged his death; and though he might easily have assumed the royal power, he remained faithful to the family of Seleucus. In 223 BC Antiochus III, the successor of Seleucus Ceraunus, appointed him to the command of all Asia Minor on the western side of Mount Taurus. Achaeus recovered all the districts which Attalus had gained for the Seleucids once more; but being falsely accused by Hermeias, the minister to Antiochus, of intending to revolt, he did so in self-defence, assumed the title of king, and ruled over the whole of Asia on the western side of the Taurus. As long as Antiochus was engaged in the war with Ptolemy, he would not march against Achaeus; but upon the conclusion of a treaty with Ptolemy, he crossed the Taurus, uniting his forces with Attalus, and in one campaign deprived Achaeus of his dominions and took Sardis (with the exception of the citadel). After sustaining a siege of two years, the citadel at last fell into the hands of Antiochus in 213, through the treachery of Bolis (who had been employed by Sosibius, minister to Ptolemy). Bolis pledged to deliver Achaeus to safety, but turned him over to Antiochus, who immediately put him to death.

BMC 1 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 168 ; Newell WSM.1448 ;
Houghton & Lorber 955.1d ; cf. SNG.Spaer 833 ; cf. Sear 6962 ;
HGC 9, 435 (R2) R
Very attractive for the type. Rare.
vf

weight 3,55gr. ; bronze Ø 15mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, with corkscrew curls.
rev. Eagle standing right,, wreath in claws, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right,
AXAIOY to left, I or ΔI (?) in outer right field

Achaeus was a general and later a separatist ruler of part of the Greek Seleucid kingdom. He was the son of Andromachus, whose sister Laodice II married Seleucus Callinicus, the father of Antiochus III the Great. He accompanied Seleucus Ceraunus, the son of Callinicus, in his expedition across mount Taurus against Attalus I, and after the assassination of Seleucus Ceraunus revenged his death; and though he might easily have assumed the royal power, he remained faithful to the family of Seleucus. In 223 BC Antiochus III, the successor of Seleucus Ceraunus, appointed him to the command of all Asia Minor on the western side of Mount Taurus. Achaeus recovered all the districts which Attalus had gained for the Seleucids once more; but being falsely accused by Hermeias, the minister to Antiochus, of intending to revolt, he did so in self-defence, assumed the title of king, and ruled over the whole of Asia on the western side of the Taurus. As long as Antiochus was engaged in the war with Ptolemy, he would not march against Achaeus; but upon the conclusion of a treaty with Ptolemy, he crossed the Taurus, uniting his forces with Attalus, and in one campaign deprived Achaeus of his dominions and took Sardis (with the exception of the citadel). After sustaining a siege of two years, the citadel at last fell into the hands of Antiochus in 213, through the treachery of Bolis (who had been employed by Sosibius, minister to Ptolemy). Bolis pledged to deliver Achaeus to safety, but turned him over to Antiochus, who immediately put him to death.

BMC 4 ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; Newell WSM.1442, 1446 & 1450 ;
Houghton & Lorber 956-957 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 834 ; Sear 6963 ;
HGC 9, 436 R
Attractive specimen with dark patina. Rare.
vf+/vf

weight 8,56gr. ; bronze Ø 20mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right
rev. Tripod-lebes, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left

No control marks are visible on this coin. Newell attributed these bronzes to Apameia, claiming a certain stylistic similarity to bronzes of Antiochia on the Orontes. Recent studies and the fact that specimens were found in the modern Sardes excavations makes attribution to Sardes more likely. Very rare.

BMC - ; Newell WSM.1188 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 159 ; Sear- ;
SNG.Spaer 624-625 ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 972 ; HGC 9, 488 (R2) RR
vf/vf-

weight 5,89gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of  Apollo right
rev. Tripod-lebes, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

No control marks are visible on this coin. Newell attributed these bronzes to Apameia, claiming a certain stylistic similarity to bronzes of Antiochia on the Orontes. Recent studies and the fact that specimens were found in the modern Sardes excavations makes attribution to Sardes more likely. It is remarkable that the portrait of Apollo has more the appearance of a king′s portrait. Highly interesting and very rare.

BMC - ; cf. Newell WSM.1108 and 1188 ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; Sear- ;
cf. SNG.Spaer 626-627 ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 972 ; HGC 9, 488 (R2) RR
vf- à f/vf

weight 4,07gr. ; bronze Ø 16mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, with corkscrew curls
rev. Naked Apollo standing left, holding arrow in right hand and testing his left arm
elbow on tripod, EP in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

Formerly this cointype was attributed to Antiochos Hierax.

Newell WSM.1437 (Antiochos Hierax) ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 122 (Antiochos Hierax) ;
cf. SNG.Spaer 489 (Antiochos Hierax); Houghton & Lorber 983-5 ;
HGC 9, 518 (R1/R2) R
Minor weakness, but very attractive bronze coin with dark patina.
vf

weight 2,99gr. ; bronze Ø 14mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right
rev. Apollo standing left, holding arrow with right hand
and resting her left arm on BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY

This cointype was formerly attributed to Antiochos Hierax (241-228).
However based on recent finds, this cointype must be dated later, circa 200-180 BC

Newell WSM.1438 ; SNG.Spaer 489 ; Houghton & Lorber 983-6
vf/vf-

weight 7,93gr. ; bronze Ø 21,5mm.

obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet
rev. Nikè standing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

Countermark ″anchor″ on the reverse. The anchor was the royal symbol of Seleucid power.

This cointype was not know to Newell. Most of these bronzes are of fine style and attest to the skill and high standards of a productive mint. Very likely it continued the activity of one of the Ptolemaic mints of the Fifth Syrian War (202-195 BC). Ptolamaïs (Ake) in Southern Coele Syria fits best the distribution of this coinage. Very rare.

BMC - ;  Newell ESM.- ;  SNG.Copenhagen- ; HGC 9, -- ;
SNG.Spaer 245 (Antiochos I) ; Houghton & Lorber1095 RR
vf-

weight 17,00gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.

obv. Head of Seleukos IV right, wearing diadem
rev. Naked Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand 
and resting left arm on grounded bow, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY on
left, palm branch in outer left field; HP-monogram in exergue.

Wonderful depiction of Apollo. Although Apollo is a male deity, his appearance often has feminine features. That also applies to this coin. His hair, in particular, seems very feminine, at least by our modern standards.

BMC - ; SNG Spaer 841var. ; Newell SMA 41 ; SC 1313.6c ;
HGC 9, 580e ; cf. Sear 6966 R
Wonderful coin with excellent details and beautiful toning.
xf

weight 16,23gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Head of Seleukos IV right, wearing diadem, wreath behind
rev. Naked Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand 
and resting left arm on bow, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ΣEΛEYKOY and 
ME-monogram on left, ΔI  in exergue

Formerly this cointype was attributed to Nisibis.

BMC- ; Newell- ; SNG.Spaer 935 ; Mørkholm, Nisebe, pag.47, group 10 ;
HGC 580g ; cf. Sear 6966 RR
Some minor roughness, otherwise attractive coin with good portrait. Very rare.
vf/xf à vf+

weight 7,62gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.

obv. Wreathed bust of Dionysos right, thyrsus over shoulder,
AB-monogram behind
rev. Prow of galley left, BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, ΣEΛEYKOY below

This cointype is generally attributed to Antiochia ad Orontem. However the controlmark AB is close related to the silver coinage of Ake-Ptolemaïs.  Also the fabric and serrated flans and the fact that large numbers of these coins have been recovered in the area of Israel and the West Bank as well as in the Syrian north. This all raise the possibility that all were struck at Ake-Ptolemais instead.

BMC 26var. ; cf. SNG.Spaer 886-901 ; SNG.Copenhagen 176var. ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 1316 and 1321 ; HGC 9, 586 ; cf. Sear 6970
f+

weight 15,17gr. ; silver Ø 32mm.

obv. Bearded head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath, within fillet border.
rev. Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding Nikè in right hand and long scepter
in left, BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY on right, ΘEOY EΠIΦANOYΣ on left,
NIKHΦOPOY in exergue

Newell (SMA, p. 30) identifies the tetradrachms with the head of Zeus on the obverse as a special issue for the festival of Daphne. His theory depends heavily on the story that Antiochos IV erected an imitation of the celebrated Phidian cult statue at Olympia within the temple of Apollo at Daphne. But this story is now in disrepute (see Lacroix, BCH LVVIII, pp. 165-6). More recent scholarship suggests that this special issue, which introduces to his coinage the epithet NIKHΦOPOΣ (Bearer of Victory), was struck to commemorate Antiochos′ victorious return to Antioch following the conclusion of his second Egyptian campaign.

The heads of Zeus on these tetradrachms are of two types, one of them, as here offered, sharp featured and slightly archaizing, the other, softer and apparently with the features of Antiochos himself. A number of scholars have taken this as evidence that Antiochos identified himself with Zeus. However, Mørkholm (pp. 58-61), followed by Houghton (JPGMJ 10, p. 157), argues that the resemblance is the result of the tastes or habits of the engravers. Mørkholm furthermore contends that the resemblance of the Apollo heads as well disqualifies the notion of a divine identification. But this is to overlook the essentially syncretic nature of divine kingship, as is symbolized iconographically by coin portraits of Ptolemy III with attributes of three gods. In this context it should also be recalled that Antiochos IV introduced the radiate diadem to Seleukid coinage, a symbol of royal apotheosis that alludes to Helios, and added ΕΠΙΦΑΝΗΣ (God Manifest), to his royal titles.

cf. CNG, Triton Sale XVIII, lot 153 (in xf  USD 20.000 + 20%)

BMC 22 ; Newell SMA.63 ; SC.1398 ; SNG.Lockett 3128 ; Dewing 2558 ;
Jameson collection 1700 ; Le Rider, Antioche, Series IIIA, 266–71;
SNG.Copenhagen - ; Boston MFA 2165 ; Gulbenkian 1039 ;
de Luynes 3313 ; Mørkholm Series III, 14 ; HGC 9, 621 RR
Minor traces of oxidation.
Impressive Zeus portrait. A very rare historical coin.
vf

weight 2,37gr.. ; bronze Ø 15mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos IV right
rev. Palmtree, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, ANTIOXOY on left

BMC-  ; Newell, Tyre 40a ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.Spaer 1096-1099 ;
SC 1462 ; HGC 9, 724 ; Sear-  R
f/vf

weight 16,20gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.

obv. Diademed head of Demetrios right, fillet border
rev. Tyche, holding baton in her right hand and cornucopia in her left,
seated left on throne, supported by a winged Tritoness, ΠT-monogram
in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right ΔHMHTPIOY on left

Although not very convincing, this may be the variant in which Demetrios has a very light beard. This variant is described in HGC 9 under No. 796 (R3) and SC 1614. This variant is very rare.

BMC 33 ; Newell SMA.81 ; SNG.Spaer 1257 ;
SC.1638.1a ; HGC 9, 795f ; Sear 7014
Minor planchet failure on reverse.
vf-

weight 16,44gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.

obv. Diademed head of Demetrios right, fillet border
rev. Tyche, holding baton in her right hand and cornucopia in her left,
seated left on throne, supported by a winged Tritoness, ANT-monogram
in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right ΔHMHTPIOY ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ

It concerns here one of the first coins of Antioch on which we see added the title of Soteros (″the Savior″) to Demetrios name, minted shortly before the start of the appearance of Seleukid Era dates on the tetradrachm, starting in October 155 BC.  This title was given to Demetrios by the people of Seleukia ad Tigrum in 160 BC. Interesting and rare coin.

♦ exceptionnal hellenistic portrait coin ♦

BMC- ; Newell SMA.100 ; SNG.Spaer- ; cf. Sear 7015 R
Wonderful portrait in high relief of fine style. Very attractive.
xf

weight 14,92gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Diademed head of Demetrios right
rev. Tyche seated left on throne without back, nude to the waist, short
scepter in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, seat supported by winged
Tritoness, ΠHA-monogram and MT-monogram in outer left field, A Ξ P
in exergue, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on the right ΔHMHTPIOY ΣΩTHPOΣ on the left

In 155 BC. Demetrios began placing dates on his coins, an example of which we see with this tetradrachm. The Seleukid Era is based on a lunar calendar, beginning in the autumn of 312 BC. The Seleukid Era dates from Seleukos I Nikator′s re-conquest of Babylon in 312/11 BC after his exile in Ptolemaic Egypt. This tradition is also continued among his successors. The Seleukid Era was used as late as the 6th century AD.

The second controlmark (MT-monogram) is not published
in the relevant reference literature. Extremely rare as such.

BMC - (cf. 9-12) ; Newell SMA.- (cf. 117-119) ;
SNG.Spaer - (cf. 1277-1278) ; cf. SC II 1641(6) ;
cf. Sear 7015 ; cf. HGC 9, 798 RRR
light traces of oxidation
vf-/vf

weight 3,78gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Diademed head of Demetrios right
rev. Cornucopiae, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ to left,
two monogram and AΞP to inner lower right field

BMC 40 ; Newell SMA.120 ; SNG.Spaer 1279 ;
SC 1642.3d ; cf. Sear 7019
Obverse struck off-centre.
vf-

weight 3,66gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed head of Demetrios right
rev. Cornucopiae, BAΣIΛEΩ(Σ) to right, ΔHMH(TPIOY) ΣΩΤΗV to left.

Imitation struck in Cappadocia, period of Samos II to Mithradates I,
circa 140-70 BC. Highly interesting and very rare.

cf. BMC 36-42 ; Newell SMA.109-110 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1271-1287 ;
cf. SC 1768.3i ; cf. HGC 9, 807 ; cf. Sear 7019 ; O. Hoover, "Notes
on Some Imitation Drachms of Demetrius I Soter from Commagene"
in AJN 10 (1998), dies a24/p27, first example = CSE 555.  RR
Some flatness, but attractive for the type. 
vf-

weight 3,67gr. ; bronze Ø 15mm.

obv. Horse′s head left
rev. Elephant′s head right BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ΔHMHTPIOY

In ancient times elephants were used in times of war. A war elephant is an elephant that is trained and guided by humans for combat. The war elephant′s main use was to charge the enemy, breaking their ranks and instilling terror. Elephantry are military units with elephant-mounted troops. War elephants were first employed in India, the practice spreading out across Southeast Asia and westwards into the Mediterranean. The Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great confronted Persian war elephants during his conquest of the Achaemenid Empire, and again faced war elephants during his Indian campaign (327-325 BC). Their most famous uses in the West were by the Greek King Pyrrhus of Epirus during the Pyrrhic War (280-275 BC) in Roman Italy and by the armies of Carthage, including briefly by Hannibal during his 218 BC crossing of the Alps to invade the Roman Republic. The Hellenistic armies of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires occasionally deployed war elephants against each other and others. War elephants played a critical role in several key battles in antiquity, but their use declined in the Middle Ages. With the spread of firearms in the early modern period, military elephants were restricted to non-combat engineering and labour roles, and some ceremonial uses. However, they continued to be used in combat in some parts of the world such as Thailand and Vietnam into the 19th century. Rare coin.

BMC 60-61 ; Houghton CSE 172 ; Babelon 733 ; SC.1646 ;
HGC 9, 844 (R3) ; SNG.Spaer 1299 ; SNG.Israel 1302 ; SNG.Copenhagen 242 ;
Weber collection 7903 ; Lindgren collection 1820 ; Sear 7028
f/vf

weight 7,34gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.

obv. Bust of Artemis right, wearing stephane, bow and quiver at shoulder
rev. Bos and quiver  BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ΔHMHTPIOY

BMC 4 ; Houghton CSE 170 ; Babelon 727-729 ; SC.1645 ; HGC 9, 826 ;
SNG.Spaer 1295 ; SNG.Copenhagen 241 ; Sear 7027
vf-

weight 16,22gr. ; silver Ø 30mm.
Series II (undated)

obv. Diademed head of Alexander Balas to right, fillet border
rev. Zeus Nikephoros seated left on high backed throne,
holding Nikè in his right hand and long scepter with his left,
HP-monogram in exergue, BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞAΔPOY to right,
ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY to left

BMC - (cf. 8-14) ; Newell SMA.167 ; SNG.Spaer - (cf. 1394-96) ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 1781.1i ; HGC 9, 875a ;  cf. Sear 7030
some minor scratches and light traces of oxidation
vf-/vf

weight 16,16gr. ; silver Ø 29mm.
Minted in year 164 of the Seleukid Era (= 149-148 BC)

obv. Diademed head of Alexander Balas to right, fillet border
rev. Zeus Nikephoros seated left on high backed throne, holding Nikè in his right hand 
and long scepter with his left, ATP-mpnogram in inner left field, 
BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞAΔPOY on right, ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY on left, 
DΞP and PAO-monogram in exergue

Wonderful lustrous coin with impressive portrait and fine details.

BMC - (cf. 9) ; Newell SMA.145 ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 1782.2e ;
SNG.Spaer 1427 ; CSE 178 ; HGC 9, 875a ; Houghton 177 var. ;
Hunterian pg. 60, 2.; cf. Sear 7030
xf/unc

weight 4,03gr. ; silver Ø 16mm.

obv. Diademed head of Alexander Balas to right, dotted border
rev. Apollo Delphios, nude, seated left on omphalos, cornunupiae
in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞAΔPOY on right,
ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY on left

cf. BMC 24-26 ; cf. Newell SMA.138-141 ; cf. Sear 7035 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 1785.3-4 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1421-1423 ;
HGC 9, 887a
Some small scratches on the reverse and struck slightly off-centre,
but good portrait and attractive toning.
xf-/vf+

weight 4,14gr. ; silver Ø 16,5mm.

obv. Diademed head of Alexander Balas to right, dotted border
rev. Apollo Delphios, nude, seated left on omphalos, monogram
in outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞAΔPOY on right,
ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY on left

cf. BMC 24-26 ; cf. Newell SMA.172-174 ; cf. Sear 7035 ;
Houghton & Lorber (SC) 1785.5 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1397 ;
HGC 9, 887a
obverse struck slightly off-centre 
vf-

weight 6,12gr. ; bronze Ø 20mm.

obv. Head of Alexander in lion skin headdress in border of dots
rev. Naked Apollo standing left, holding arrow in right hand and resting
his left on grounded bow, BAΣIΛEΩΣ and ΔPE-monogram in field to right,
AΛEΞANΔPOY and palm in field to left

cf. BMC 44-45 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 262 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1448 ;
cf. McClean 9308 ; SC.1805.2a ; Babelon 812 ; HGC.9, 901 (R1/R2) R
Attractive dark patina. Rare.
vf

weight 5,71gr. ; bronze Ø 20mm.

obv. Head of Alexander in lion skin headdress in border of dots
rev. Naked Apollo standing left, holding arrow in right hand and resting
his left on grounded bow, BAΣIΛEΩΣ and ΔPE-monogram in field to right,
AΛEΞANΔPOY and palm in field to left

cf. BMC 44-45 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 262 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1448 ;
cf. McClean 9308 ; SC.1805.2a ; Babelon 812 ; HGC.9, 901 (R1/R2)  R
Double strike on both sides. Dark patina.
vf/vf-

weight 6,58gr. ; bronze Ø 17mm.

obv. Head of Alexander right, wearing crested helmet
rev. Nikè standing left, holding wreath above the Kings′s name and palm
in left hand, ear of grain in outer left field,  BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY

cf. BMC 51-52 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 264 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1465 ;
cf. McClean 9309 ; cf. Sear 7040
Dark patina.
f/vf

weight 15,88gr. ; silver Ø 26mm.

obv. Diademed head of Demetrios II right within fillet border
rev. Tyche seated left on backless throne supported by tritoness,
holding sceptre and cornucopia, BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY to right,
ΦΙΛΑΔΕ – ΛΦΟΥ ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡΟΣ to left, monogram in exergue.

Demetrius II Nikator was the eldest son of Demetrios I Soter, brother of Antiochos VII Sidetes and his mother could have been Laodice V. But after the death of Demetrius I, it was Alexander I Balas who claimed to be the son of Antiochis IV and thus ascended the throne as king. In 147 BC, Demetrios II (soon to be styled Nikator, that is "the Victorious"), landed in Cilicia to claim his throne. The father in-law, Ptolemiaos VI Philometer, rushed to help Alexander, but, for some unknown reason, the latter tried to assassinate him in the city of Ptolemais. Ptolemaios VI simply changed sides, while Antiochia on the Orontes, the capital city, revolted and offered the crown to Ptolemaios, who was wise enough to decline it, but persuded the citizens to support Demetrios II.

The final battle was fought in 145 BC  in Syria, on the Oinoparas river. Alexander was defeated and fled. Ptolemaios VI was seriously wounded and died soon after. The end was close also for the former king. Alexander sought refuge to a Nabataean prince, who murdered him and sent his head to Ptolemaios VI Philometor, who had been mortally wounded in the engagement. Demetrios II Nikator ruled the Seleukid Empire for two periods (145-140 and 129-125 BC), separated by a number of years of captivity in Hyrcania in Parthia. In 145 BC general Diodotus Tryphon conquered Antiochia and had his protégé Antiochos VI Dionysos, the infant son of Alexander Balas, proclaimed king. In 139 BC, Parthian activity forced Demetrius to take action. He marched against Mithradates I, king of Parthia and was initially successful, but was defeated in the Iranian mountains and taken prisoner the following year.

cf. BMC 18 ; SC.1984.1 ; HGC 9, 967 (R2) ;
cf. Sear 7053 ; SNG.Spaer 1752 RR
Minor traces of oxidation. Very rare.
vf

weight 6,30gr. ; bronze Ø 20mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, with hair in corkscrew curls
rev. Tripod  BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY NIKATOPOΣ,
AI-monogram inner left

Usually we see the monograms in the exergue. On this specimen we see a monogram
at the inner left field.

cf. BMC 40 ; Lindgren collection- ; Weber collection- ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1622 and 1629 ;
cf. SNG.Copenhagen 284 ; cf. Sear 7066 ; McClean- ; SC.1913 ; HGC 9, 996 RR
Attractive dark patina. Very rare.
vf

weight 16,46gr. ; silver Ø 32mm.

obv Radiate, diademed head of Antiochos VI right, one diadem end waving
across border behind, the other falling forward over shoulder; bead-and-reel border
rev. The Dioskouroi on horseback charging left, both wearing pileus surmounted
by star and holding couched spear, BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ANTIOXOY above,
EΠIΦANOYΣ ΔIONYΣOY beneath; OP (date) below horses, TPY above
XAP monogram above ΣTA in right field, all within Dionysaic wreath of laurel,
ivy leaves, grain ears and lotus blossoms.

Antiochos VI Dionysos was born in around 148/147 BC as the son of Alexander Balas and Kleopatra Thea, daughter of Ptolemaios VI of Egypt. Antiochos VI did not actually rule. Either already in 145 or in early 144 BC he was nominated by the general Diodotos Tryphon as heir to the throne in opposition to Demetrios II, and remained the general′s tool. In circa 142/141 BC, the young king died. While some ancient authors write that he died during a surgery, it is more likely that he was killed on the orders of Diodotos Tryphon. Antiochos VI was succeeded by Diodotos Tryphon.

The Seleukid Era is based on a lunar calendar, beginning in the autumn of 312 BC. The Seleukid Era dates from Seleucus I Nicator′s re-conquest of Babylon in 312/11 BC after his exile in Ptolemaic Egypt. This tradition is also continued among his successors. The Seleukid era was used as late as the 6th century AD.

cf. NAC Auction 134 in good xf  (SFR 22,000 + 23%)

cf. BMC 6 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen293 ; Newell SMA.242 ;
HGC 9, 1032 ; Houghton & Lorber (SC) 2000.3d ; cf. SNG.Spaer 1763 ;
DCA.178 ; cf. McClean 9316 ; cf. Sear 7072 R
Wonderful coin with attractive toning. Rare.
vf /xf

weight 8,04gr. ; bronze Ø 21mm.

obv. Head of Antiochos, as Dionysos, right, radiated and wreathed with ivy
rev. Elephant advancing left, holding torch with his trunk, ΣTA and cornucopiae on right,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ  ANTIOXOY above, EΠIΦANOYΣ ΔIONYΣOY beneath

BMC 45 ; SNG.Copenhagen 306 ; SNG.Spaer 1772 ; Houghton SC.2006 ;
HGC 9, 1043 ; Babelon 1007 ; McClean 9320
Attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 3,92gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos VII right within fillet border
rev. Nikè advancing left, holding wreath; two monogram in lower
left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY to right, EYEPΓETOY to left

Antiochos VII Euergetes ″Sidetes″ was one of the sons of Demetrius I Soter, the brother of Demetrius II Nicator and his mother may have been Laodice V. His nickname was Sidetes, what means ″from Side″, a city in Pamphylia. Sidetes defeated the usurper Tryphon at Dora and laid siege to Jerusalem in 132. During the siege he allowed a seven-day truce for the Jews to celebrate a religious festival, impressing the Jewish leadership. According to Josephus the Hasmonean leader John Hyrcanus opened King David′s sepulchre and removed three thousand talents, which he then paid Antiochus to spare the city. Nevertheless, King Antiochus′ respectful treatment of the Jews, and respect for their religion, earned him their gratitude and added name Euergetes (″the Benefactor″). He was the last Seleucid king of any stature. After Antiochus VII Sidetes was killed in battle, the Seleucid realm was restricted to Syria.

BMC - (cf. 38-42) ; Newell SMA.310 ; SNG.Spaer 1988 ;
SC 2056/2 ; cf. Sear 7092 ; HGC 9, no.1080a
attractive toning
vf à vf/xf

weight 2,65gr. ; bronze Ø 16mm.

obv. Head of lion right
rev. Club

BMC 67 ; SNG.Copenhagen 329 ; SNG.Spaer 1928
vf/vf-

weight 12,57gr. ; bronze 20mm.

obv. Prow of galley right, two caps of the Dioscuri above
rev. Trident BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY, EOP below

Struck in year 175 of the Seleukid Ära, which started in 311 B.C. when Seleukos I Nikator defeated Antogonos I Monophthalmos of Macedon.
With this victory he recaptured Babylonia, which was the start of the Seleukid Empire and dynasty. Wonderful rendition of prow and ram of war galley, trident reverse, clearly intended to honor the Seleucid navy. The naval imagery is particularly notable because the Romans had banned the Seleucids from maintaining a serviceable navy at the Peace of Apamea of 189 BC.

SNG.Copenhagen- (cf.322) ; SNG.Spaer 1898 ; Babelon 1073 R
vf

weight 5,22gr. ; bronze Ø 17mm.

obv. Laureate head of Zeus right
rev. Nikè walking left, holding wreath in right hand and palm branch in left hand,
Ξ inner left, BAΣIΛEΩS  ΔHMHTPIOY on right ΘEOY  NIKATOPOΣ  on left

cf. BMC 2-3 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 349 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 2165
dark patina
vf/vf-

weight 2,92gr. ; bronze Ø 14mm.

obv. Elephant head right
rev. Eagle with wide spread wings standing left, monograms in
outer left field, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to left

SC.2243 ; cf. SNG.Spaer 2412-2417 ; HGC 9, 1178 (R2)  RR
Attractive green patina. Very rare.
vf-

weight 16,19gr. ; silver 29mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos VIII right
rev. Zeus Uranius, nude, standing left, holding star and resting
on scepter, IE and A in left field, small o in right field,
ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑNTIOXOY to right, EΠIΦANOYΣ to left

Antiochus VIII Grypos was the eldest son of Demetrios II and Cleopatra Thea. After a regency between 125 and 121 BC with his mother, whom he ended up poisoning before being assassinated himself, Antiochos became he became an independent and sole ruling king of Syria. However, his throne was contested and fought against by Alexander II Zabinas and later by his half-brother Antiochos IX Kyzikenos (Antiochos of Kyzikos). A fight that would last for twenty years. Antiochia on the Orontes had to be retaken four times. Antiochos reigned there from 121 to 113, then in 112 and 111, from 111 to 109, finally from 108 to 96 BC. Antiochus VIII was assassinated by his son Seleukos VI who also killed his uncle Antiochos IX before being himself eliminated by Antiochos X, son of Antiochos IX in 96 BC, a beautiful family story. The Seleukid Empire had by then largely fallen apart and was in complete chaos. Antiochos VIII had a series of titles, namely Epihanos ("illustrious"), Kallinikos ("conqueror"), Philiometor ("loving his mother") and Grypos ("hawk-nosed"). In any case, he bore this last title with good reason.

cf. BMC 16 ; Houghton, Lorber and Hoover (SC) 2298.2b ;
SNG.Spaer 2496 ; Newell SMA.368 ; Sear - (cf. 7143) ;
HGC 9, no.1197e
minor flan crack
vf/vf-

weight 15,39gr. ; silver 27mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos VIII right
rev. Zeus Uranius, nude, standing left, holding star and resting
on scepter, two monograms in left field, date in exergue,
ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑNTIOXOY to right, EΠIΦANOYΣ to left

Antiochus VIII Grypos was the eldest son of Demetrios II and Cleopatra Thea. After a regency between 125 and 121 BC with his mother, whom he ended up poisoning before being assassinated himself, Antiochos became he became an independent and sole ruling king of Syria. However, his throne was contested and fought against by Alexander II Zabinas and later by his half-brother Antiochos IX Kyzikenos (Antiochos of Kyzikos). A fight that would last for twenty years. Antiochia on the Orontes had to be retaken four times. Antiochos reigned there from 121 to 113, then in 112 and 111, from 111 to 109, finally from 108 to 96 BC. Antiochus VIII was assassinated by his son Seleukos VI who also killed his uncle Antiochos IX before being himself eliminated by Antiochos X, son of Antiochos IX in 96 BC, a beautiful family story. The Seleukid Empire had by then largely fallen apart and was in complete chaos. Antiochos VIII had a series of titles, namely Epihanos ("illustrious"), Kallinikos ("conqueror"), Philiometor ("loving his mother") and Grypos ("hawk-nosed"). In any case, he bore this last title with good reason.

BMC 7 ; Houghton& Lorber (SC) 2323.3 ; SNG.Spaer - ; 
Sear - (cf. 7143) ; HGC 9, no.1197f
minor planchet faults and traces of oxidation
vf-

weight 5,40gr. ; bronze 19mm.

obv. Radiated head of Antiochos VIII right
rev. Eagle standing left, scepter in background, IE and aphlaston on
outer left, BAΣIΛEΩS ANTIOXOY on right EΠIΦANOYΣ on left

Antiochus VIII Grypos was the eldest son of Demetrios II and Cleopatra Thea. After a regency between 125 and 121 BC with his mother, whom he ended up poisoning before being assassinated himself, Antiochos became he became an independent and sole ruling king of Syria. However, his throne was contested and fought against by Alexander II Zabinas and later by his half-brother Antiochos IX Kyzikenos (Antiochos of Kyzikos). A fight that would last for twenty years. Antiochia on the Orontes had to be retaken four times. Antiochos reigned there from 121 to 113, then in 112 and 111, from 111 to 109, finally from 108 to 96 BC. Antiochus VIII was assassinated by his son Seleukos VI who also killed his uncle Antiochos IX before being himself eliminated by Antiochos X, son of Antiochos IX in 96 BC, a beautiful family story. The Seleukid Empire had by then largely fallen apart and was in complete chaos. Antiochos VIII had a series of titles, namely Epihanos ("illustrious"), Kallinikos ("conqueror"), Philiometor ("loving his mother") and Grypos ("hawk-nosed"). In any case, he bore this last title with good reason.

cf. BMC 25 ; SNG.copenhagen 387 ; SNG.Spaer 2519 ;
Babelon 1397 ; cf. Newell SMA, page 95
vf-

weight 8,11gr. ; bronze 19mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos VIII right
rev. Filleted double cornucopiae, symbols and monogram to left,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY to right EΠIΦANOYΣ to left

SC. 2312-2313 ; HGC 9, no. 1213 ; SNG. Spaer 2559-2562
vf- à f/vf

weight 6,18gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.

obv. Diademed head of Antiochos IX right
rev. Athena walking right, holding spear with right hand and shield in left hand,
monogram inner left,  BAΣIΛEΩS ANTIOXOY on right ΦIΛOΠATOPOΣ on left

cf. BMC 23 ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.Spaer 2729 R
Very minor roughness. Dark patina.
vf+

weight 15,47gr. ; silver Ø 26,5mm.

obv. Diademed head of Philippos right, fillet border
rev. Zeus seated left, clad in himation, hold Nikè with wreath in right
hand and sceptre in left hand, ΔI-monogram beneath throne,
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΦIΛIΠΠOΥ on the right EΠIΦANOΥΣ ΦIΛΛAΔEΛΦOΥ
on the left, Δ in exergue

Philippos I Philadelphos ″Philip the brother-loving″ was the fourth son of Antiochos VIII Grypos and his wife Tryphaena. Philippos I took the diadem in 95 BC together with his brother (probably his twin) Antiochos XI Epiphanes, after the eldest son Seleukos VI Epiphanes was killed by their cousin Antiochos X Eusebes. He established himself in Antiochia on the Orontes after 92 BC and survived attacks from his younger brother Demetrios III Eukaerus. In 94 BC, shortly after Seleukos′ death, Philippos and Antiochos XI minted jugate coins bearing their portraits together on the obverse;  Antiochos was portrayed in front of his brother, indicating that he was the senior king. The brothers set off to avenge Seleukos VI; according to Eusebius, they sacked Mopsuestia and destroyed it. At the beginning of 93 BC, the brothers advanced on Antioch and drove Antiochos X out of the city. Philip did not reside in the Syrian metropolis and remained at a base in northern Syria leaving Antiochos XI as the master of the capital. By autumn 93 BC, Antiochos X regrouped and defeated Antiochos XI who drowned in the Orontes. Josephus only mentioned Antiochos XI in the battle while Eusebius mentioned that Philippos was also there. Alfred Raymond Bellinger is of the view that Philippos′ troops participated but he stayed behind at his base since only Antiochos XI was killed. Following the defeat, Philippos is thought to have retreated to his own capital, which was most probably the same base he and his brother operated from when they first prepared to avenge Seleukos VI. Bellinger suggests that the base was a coastal city north of Antiochia on the Orontes, while Arthur Houghton believes it was Beroea. His rule ended around 83 BC when Tigranes conquered Syria. He disappears from history at that point, but coins bearing his portrait were issued by later Roman authorities.

BMC - (cf. 1-17) ; Newell SMA.444 ; SNG.Spaer - ;
SC 2463 (3) ; cf. Sear 7196 ; HGC 9, 1319
light traces of oxidation
vf