Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 53 7 Feb 2019
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Seleukid Empire, Antiochos VIII Epiphanes Grypos AR Tetradrachm. Ake-Ptolemais, circa 121-113 BC. Diademed head of Antiochos right within fillet border / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑNTIOXOY EΠIΦANOYΣ, Zeus Ouranios, draped, standing facing, head to left, holding star in outstretched hand and long sceptre, M in field; all within laurel wreath border. SC 2335.2a. 16.52g, 31mm, 1h.
Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone and excellent visual appeal.
From a private English collection.
Antiochus VIII, nicknamed Grypos (hook-nose), was crowned as ruler of the Seleukid Empire in 125 BC. He was the son of Demetrios II Nikator and Cleopatra Thea. From 125 to 121 BC Cleopatra Thea ruled jointly with Demetrios' younger son Antiochos VIII Grypos, who was still a teenager at his crowning. Defeating the rival claimant Alexander II Zabinas in 123, the victorious returning king was offered a poisoned cup of wine by his mother, who apparently feared losing her control over him, but the suspicious Antiochos instead forced her to drink it herself. So perished his mother Cleopatra Thea, though her influence was yet felt for many years: while Antiochos Grypos proved a competent king, reorganising the state and providing stability and financial recovery, all this would end in 114 when Grypos' half-brother, Antiochos Kyzikenos, returned to Syria to claim the throne, sparking renewed civil war.
Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone and excellent visual appeal.
From a private English collection.
Antiochus VIII, nicknamed Grypos (hook-nose), was crowned as ruler of the Seleukid Empire in 125 BC. He was the son of Demetrios II Nikator and Cleopatra Thea. From 125 to 121 BC Cleopatra Thea ruled jointly with Demetrios' younger son Antiochos VIII Grypos, who was still a teenager at his crowning. Defeating the rival claimant Alexander II Zabinas in 123, the victorious returning king was offered a poisoned cup of wine by his mother, who apparently feared losing her control over him, but the suspicious Antiochos instead forced her to drink it herself. So perished his mother Cleopatra Thea, though her influence was yet felt for many years: while Antiochos Grypos proved a competent king, reorganising the state and providing stability and financial recovery, all this would end in 114 when Grypos' half-brother, Antiochos Kyzikenos, returned to Syria to claim the throne, sparking renewed civil war.