I was searching around for my next ancient and asked on a few groups I'm a member of if anyone had something attractive to sell and this was offered. I liked the attractive portrait with old cabinet toning and on a large flan (30 mm), so I picked it up! After doing some research on ACsearch, its the most complete reverse I could find with almost the entire wreath visible. Its very nice in hand and will make a nice addition to my collection. SYRIA. Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochus VIII Grypus, 125-96 B.C. AR Tetradrachm (16.18 grams), 30mm. SC 2309.1b, HGC 9, 1200. Old grey cabinet toning.
That's an exceptional example - the reverse is remarkable. Congratulations! I personally prefer the in-hand shot/coloring than the first images; the first are over-saturated and the hue looks unrealistic whereas the in-hand images show a very natural, beautiful coin.
Thanks Joe! The first image is from the seller and the 2nd image I quickly snapped after opening the package today. I like my images better too because they are more realistic, even though they aren't as good as they could be. Maybe someday I'll find a provenance for it. With that toning, I wouldn't be surprised if it has an older one.
Very nice coin for the type! Congrats. Welcome to the side of the Seleukids . They are my favorites. Here a few Seleukid tetradrachms and some coins of Antiochos VIII: Philip I Philadelphos (circa 95/4-76/5 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in Cilicia (Tarsos?), lifetime issue, circa 94/3-88/7 B.C. Obverse: Diademed head of Philip I to right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ - EΠIΦΑΝΟΥΣ / ΦIΛAΔEΛΦΟΥ. Zeus seated left, holding Nike in his right hand and long scepter in his left; to outer left and below throne, monograms; to inner left, M; all within laurel wreath. Reference: SC 2460c 15.81g; 27mm Antiochos III Megas (223 - 187 B.C.). AR Tetradrachm. Antioch mint. Series 3, circa 204–197 B.C. Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochos III to right. Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY. Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; to outer left, bow in bowcase. Reference: SC 1044.5a; Le Rider series 3-4, obv. A12; BMC 27; HGC 9, 447u. 17.07g Alexander I (Balas). 152/1-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm. Tyre mint. Dated SE 167 (146/5 BC). Obverse: Diademed and draped bust of Alexander Balas right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY (“of King Alexander”). Eagle standing left on prow of galley, palm-branch over right shoulder; club surmounted by monogram to left, ΙΞΡ (date) and monogram to right. Reference: SNG Spaer 1545-1546; Newell, Tyre 79; Houghton 749. 13.73g (Phoenician standard) Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos) (121/0-97/6 B.C.) AR Drachm. 3rd reign at Antioch. Antiochia on the Orontes mint, 109-96 B.C. Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochos VIII to right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY – EΠIΦANOYΣ. Tripod; two monograms to outer left. Reference: Newell, SMA 411; SC 2310c; HGC 1209. 3.74g Ex. Collection Shlomo Moussaieff, London, 1948 - 2000. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos) (121/0-97/6 B.C.) Denomination B (Double), Antioch mint, Uncertain date. Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right, bow and quiver over shoulder. Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛEΩΣ ANTIOXΟΥ EΠIΦANOYΣ (“of King Antiochos the Illustrious”). Eagle standing left, scepter under far wing, IE monogram to left. Reference: SC 2300. 6.58g; 21mm
