SELEUKID EMPIRE. Alexander I Balas. 152-145 B.C. Serrate Æ. 7.94 gm. 21.5 mm. Contemporary imitation. Copying an uncertain mint in northern Syria. His diademed head right / Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and long scepter; ΑΛEΞANΔ... (debased legend). Cf. SC 1818. Cf. HGC 9, 909. Very Fine; dark patina with red earthen highlights; appealing almost barbarous bust; broad flan. An attractive and idiosyncratic imitation of a rare type.

“The Seleukid Empire was the largest of the successor states carved from the short-lived empire of Alexander the Great, and arguably the most culturally diverse. Over nearly two and a half centuries it produced an astonishing volume and variety of coinage...from mints scattered across its vast expanse.” (Seleucid Coins: A Comprehensive Catalogue, Volume I, by Arthur Houghton and Catharine Lorber with Brian Kritt.) Lots 68-80 mark the beginning of our offering of a collection of Seleukid coins which we will continue in succeeding sales. We begin with tetradrachms from several different mints of Seleukos I, who founded the Seleukid dynasty which ruled until Pompey made Syria a Roman province in 63 B.C. He was succeeded by his son Antiochos I Soter, who was followed by Antiochos II Theos, and so on. We offer examples both in the types of Alexander, and with their portraits. Sprinkled throughout are a number of interesting bronzes.