Seleucid Usurper

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by 7Calbrey, Mar 8, 2018.

  1. 7Calbrey

    7Calbrey Well-Known Member

    Alexander I of Seleucia was nicknamed " Balas " meaning " Lord ". Considered as a usurper, he reigned over the Seleucid Empire circa 150 - 145 BC. I liked much the natural patina on the following coin with an awesome bust on obverse and Apollo standing on reverse. There seems to be a control mark in the left field of reverse which is described by some references as an unclear monogram. I hope that the condition of this bronze coin would make it clear. I think that it's either a palm tree or a star with a long queue. Here it is. SC 1795.

    ABals O           Apollo.jpg ABals R  SC     1795.jpg ABalmonog 600.jpg
     
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  3. TheRed

    TheRed Well-Known Member

    Very nice coin, I really like it. I have yet to get Alexander I Balas into my collection of Seleucid coins.
     
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  4. David@PCC

    David@PCC allcoinage.com

    Yes it is a star. I like bronze coins of his, has quite a variety.
    g108.jpg
    g110.jpg

    He has at least 36 mints that made coinage for him, this one comes from Ascalon.
    g282.jpg
    Alexander I
    Mint: Ascalon
    Year 164, 149/148 BC
    Obvs: Head of Alexander right.
    Revs: BACIA on left, AΔEΞ on right, Asphlaston between. Mintmark ACK outter right, year ΔΞP outter left.
    12x13mm, 1.31g
    Ref: SC 1849(1)

    g253.jpg
    Alexander I
    Mint: Antioch
    AE 19
    149 to 147 BC
    Obvs: Head of Alexander right wearing crested Boetotian helmet.
    Revs: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, Nike left crowning royal name.
    18x19mm, 6.28g
    Ref: SC 2 1790
     
  5. ominus1

    ominus1 Well-Known Member

    huh...Alexander the Great is the 3rd, and this Alexander is the 1st...neat coin tho!:)
     
  6. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    g92310bb1711.jpg
    Each country has its own numbers. 'Balas' was the first Syrian (Seleucid Empire) while 'Great' was the third Macedonian. Best example of this is James VI of Scotland who became James I of England.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_VI_and_I
     
  7. ominus1

    ominus1 Well-Known Member

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