Seleukid Kings of Syria

I need a confirmation that I have the proper attribution on this coin (all these guys look alike to me).

Seleukid Kings of Syria, Alexander II Zabinas AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, 128-122 BC. Diademed head of Alexander right within fillet border / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOV, Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike and sceptre; monogram to outer left, AI below throne. SC 2219.2. 16.56g, 30mm, 12h.

 

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Yup. Alex I is much brawnier.

 

That's a fine looking coin JBG. I think your attribution is correct.

 

Also, the inscriptions on the Zeus Nikephoros tets of Alex I Balas are longer, two lines on each side of the reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY ΘEOΠATOROΣ EYEΡΓETOY.

 

I saw the same coin in TRITON V auction catalogue. Yours is a rare variant. Alexander II succeeded Demetrios II in 128 BC. Your coin matches John W> Garrett coin. It sold for $1500US in 2002.

 

Hel-lo!

I react to epithets like "rare variant".....usually by spilling wine.

This was one funny auction that brings Mr. Zabinas to my collection. I'm going to keep the specifics vague in case "rare variant" means "someone might want this coin for more money than I paid for it".

 

Here's an Alexander Zabinas with Dionysus on reverse. That usurper must have been fond of wine.

 

Wow, JBG => congrats on scoring a fanastic Seleukid winner!!

... sadly, I'm pretty sure that I don't have an example of that fella (plus, most of my Seleukid examples are bronze, not fancy silver) ... *sigh* ... yah, I need more coins

 

Beautiful coin JB! I bet it's really awesome in hand.

 

It is! thanks.

 

Wonderful selection JB !! Far superior to my more modest examples.

 

I like the portrait, a lot, the sandy patina is a plus. Yours looks like a genuine patina vs Cover Gurl.

 

Is this the guy? Alexander I Balas? He is brawnier.

 

Yup, that's him.