s e l e u c i d   e m p i r e

r e f e r e n c e s

SC = Seleucid Coins - A Comprehensive Catalogue, Part I, Arthur Houghton and Catharine Lorber
(Metrological Tables by Brian Kritt), CNG/ANS, 2002 and Part II, Arthur Houghton, Catharine Lorber and Oliver Hoover, CNG/ANS, 2008
SGC = Greek Coins and their values, Volume 2: Asia and Africa, David R. Sear, Seaby, London (1979)
SNG Spaer = Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Israel I, The Arnold Spaer Collection of Seleucid Coins, Jerusalem (1998)
L/K AML = Ancient Bronze Coins of Asia Minor and the Levant from the Lindgren Collection, Henry Clay Lindgren and Frank L. Kovacs, Chrysopylon Publications, San Francisco (1985)
Houghton CSE = Coins of the Seleucid Empire from the Collection of Arthur Houghton, Arthur Houghton, The American Numismatic Society, New York (1983)

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Demetrius I Soter
Son of Seleucus IV. Reign 162/1 - 151/0 BC.

Demetrius I (162 - 150 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 17 [serrated edge]
SC 1642; Houghton CSE 172
17 mm.
3.96 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Horse head, left.
Reverse: Elephant head, right.
Note: Courtesy Jamison T. Graff collection.

Demetrius I (162 - 150 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 15 [serrated edge]
SC 1642; Houghton CSE 172
15 mm.
4.15 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Very crude horse head left.
Reverse: Elephant head right.

Demetrius I (162 - 150 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 26 [serrated edge]
SC 1644
26 mm.
17.20 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo (with the features of Demetrius), right.
Reverse: Tripod.

Demetrius I (162 - 150 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 20 [serrated edge]
SC 1645
20 mm.
7.01 gm.
Die position=11h
Obverse: Bust of Artemis, right.
Reverse: Bow and quiver.
Note: Courtesy Jamison T. Graff collection.

Commagenean imitations of Antioch drachms of Demetrius I
c. 163 - 1st century BC.

Alexander I Balas
Pretender. Reign 151/0 - 145 BC. Married Cleopatra Thea.

Alexander Balas (151/0 - 145 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AR Drachm
SC 1785.4c; SNG Spaer 1422v.
17 mm.
3.72 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse:
Reverse: Apollo seated left. ΓΞΡ = 163 SE = 150/49 BC

Posthumous imitations of Antiochus IV
c. 151/0 BC at Apamea and 146/5 BC at Antioch.

Demetrius II Nicator of Syria, 1st Reign
Son of Demetrius I. First reign 145 - 139 (?), second reign 129 - 126/5 BC. Married Cleopatra Thea and Rhodogune, daughter of Mithradates I of Parthia.

Demetrius II, 1st reign (145 - 139 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 24
SC 1912; SGC 7064; L/K AML 1835
24 mm.
12.18 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus, right.
Reverse: Apollo seated left on omphalos, arrow in right hand, left hand on bow. Unclear control.

Demetrius II, 1st reign (145 - 139 BC)
Mint: Tyre
AE 13
SC 1970 (?)
12 x 13 mm.
1.87 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Head right.
Reverse: Palm tree.

Antiochus VI Dionysus
Son of Alexander Balas. Reign 145 - 142/1 BC.

Antiochus VI (145 - 142 BC)
Mint: Chalcis by Belus, early 144 BC (?)
AE 17 [Denomination 'C']
SC 2017; SGC 7079; L/K AML 1836
17 mm.
6.64 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Radiate head of Antiochus VI, right.
Reverse: Cantharus; palm branch to right. Unclear controls.

Antiochus VI (145 - 142 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 21 [serrated edge][Denomination 'B']
SC 2006; SGC 7081
21 x 20 mm.
8.49 gm.
Die position=11h
Obverse: Radiate head of Antiochus VI, right, crowned with ivy.
Reverse: Elephant, left, holding torch in her trunk. ΣΤΑ in right field.

Antiochus VI (145 - 142 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 22 [serrated edge][Denomination 'B']
SC 2006; SGC 7081
22 mm.
7.67 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Radiate head of Antiochus VI, right, crowned with ivy.
Reverse: Elephant, left, holding torch in her trunk. ΣΤΑ in right field.

Antiochus VI (145 - 142 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [serrated edge][Denomination 'C']
SC 2007; SGC 7083; L/K AML 1837
18 mm.
5.49 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Radiate head of Antiochus VI, right.
Reverse: Panther left, holding palm branch; ΣΤΑ above panther's tail, cornucopiae in right field.

Antiochus VI (145 - 142 BC)
Mint: Ptolemaïs
AE 16 [serrated edge][Denomination 'C']
SC 2024; SGC 7084; L/K AML A1838A
16 mm.
3.80 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Radiate head of Antiochus VI, right.
Reverse: Nike standing left, holding wreath and palm.

Antiochus VI (145 - 142 BC)
Mint: Ptolemaïs
AE 16 [serrated edge][Denomination 'C']
SC 2024; SGC 7084; L/K AML A1838A
16 mm.
4.13 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Radiate head of Antiochus VI, right.
Reverse: Nike standing left, holding wreath and palm.

Diodotus Tryphon
Usurper. Reign 142/1 - 138 BC.

Tryphon (142/1 - 138 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [Denomination 'B' or 'C']
SC 2043.2d; SNG Spaer 1828; SGC 7089
18 mm.
5.10 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Diademed head right.
Reverse: Spiked Macedonian helmet, ornamented with Ibex horn; Pilei in left field. ΑYTOKΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ on left.

Tryphon (142/1 - 138 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [Denomination 'B' or 'C']
SC 2043.2e; SNG Spaer 1830; SGC 7089
17 x 18 mm.
4.48 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed head right.
Reverse: Spiked Macedonian helmet, ornamented with Ibex horn; Star in left field. ΑYTOKΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ on left.

Tryphon (142/1 - 138 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [Denomination 'B' or 'C']
SC 2043.2a; SNG Spaer 1835; SGC 7089
18 x 17 mm.
5.26 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Diademed head right.
Reverse: Spiked Macedonian helmet, ornamented with Ibex horn; Aphlaston in left field. ΑYTOKΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ on left.

Tryphon (142/1 - 138 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [Denomination 'B' or 'C']
SC 2043.2a; SNG Spaer 1835; SGC 7089
16 x 18 mm.
5.06 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Diademed head right.
Reverse: Spiked Macedonian helmet, ornamented with Ibex horn; Aphlaston in left field. ΑYTOKΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ on left.

Tryphon (142 - 138 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [Denomination 'B' or 'C']
SC 2043.2a; SGC 7089
18 x 17 mm.
4.69 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Diademed head of Tryphon, right.
Reverse: Spiked Macedonian helmet, ornamented with Ibex horn; Aphlaston in left field. ΑYTOKΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ on left.

Tryphon (142 - 138 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19 [Denomination 'B' or 'C']
SC 2043.2c; SGC 7089
18 x 19 mm.
6.13 gm.
Die position=2h
Obverse: Diademed head of Tryphon, right.
Reverse: Spiked Macedonian helmet, ornamented with Ibex horn; palm branch in left field. ΑYTOKΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ on left.

Antiochus VII Euergetes (Sidetes)
Son of Demetrius I. Reign 138 - 129 BC. Married Cleopatra Thea (may as well; everyone else had). Hunted down Tryphon and made him commit suicide.

Antiochus VII
Mint: Mallus
AR Tetradrachm
SC 2059.2
Gemini, LLC Auction III, 242
16.83 gm.
Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochus VII right. Control 'MA' in left field.
Reverse: Cult figure of Athena Magarsia standing facing, head flanked by stars, holding spear.
Note: Temporary photo courtesy Gemini, LLC

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AR Drachm
SC 2062.3d; SGC 7096
18 mm.
4.15 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse:
Reverse: Nike advancing left, holding wreath.

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18
SC 2067.3d; SGC 7098
18 mm.
5.93 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Winged bust of Eros right, wreathed with myrtle.
Reverse: Headdress of Isis, star (?) below. Seleucid date EOP = 175 SE = 138/7 BC.

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
SC 2067.12; SGC 7098
18 mm.
6.25 gm.
Die position=11h
Obverse: Winged bust of Eros right, wreathed with myrtle.
Reverse: Headdress of Isis (coiled snake visible on this example). Seleucid date IOP = 177 SE = 136/5 BC. Date could be IOP, I guess.
Reverse: Special thanks to Bill Raymond for pointing out the Uraeus on the headdress (4/10/02).

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18
SC 2067.14; SNG Spaer 1934; SGC 7098 type
18 mm.
5.40 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Winged bust of Eros, right.
Reverse: Headdress of Isis resting on two crossed grain ears above inverted crescent; date in exergue. ΘΟΡ = 179 = 134/3 BC. Grain Ear in left field.

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18
SC 2067.15; SGC 7098
18 mm.
5.66 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Large winged bust of Eros right, wreathed with myrtle.
Reverse: Headdress of Isis. Seleucid date ΠΡ = 180 SE = 133/2 BC.

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 17
SC 2067 type; SGC 7098
17 mm.
6.13 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Winged bust of Eros right, wreathed with myrtle.
Reverse: Headdress of Isis. Seleucid date off flan.

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 14 [Denomination 'C']
SC 2068.4; SNG Spaer 1928 (?)
14 mm.
2.50 gm.
Die position=3h
Obverse: Lion head right.
Reverse: Club. ΙΟ&Rho (?) = 177 SE = 136/5 BC

Antiochus VII (138 - 129 BC)
Mint: Barbarous Imitation of Antioch AE
AE 18
SC 2071v.
18 mm.
6.17 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Winged bust of Eros, right.
Reverse: Headdress of Isis; star in exergue. Control in left field.
Note: Imitation. SC 2071 listed with no controls.

Cappadocian tetradrachms in the name of Antiochus VII (posthumous)
c. 130 - 80 BC.

Demetrius II Nicator of Syria, 2nd Reign
Son of Demetrius I. First reign 145 - 139 (?), second reign 129 - 126/5 BC. Married Cleopatra Thea and Rhodogune, daughter of Mithradates I of Parthia.

Demetrius II, 2nd reign (129 - 126/5 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 17 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2170.1
17 mm.
5.34 gm.
Die position=11h
Obverse: Head of Zeus right.
Reverse: Athena standing left holding Nike. Unclear control in left field (double cornucopiae (?)).

Demetrius II, 2nd reign (129 - 126/5 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2170.1
17 x 19 mm.
5.11 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Head of Zeus right.
Reverse: Athena standing left holding Nike, Ξ to left. Unclear control in left field (off flan).

Demetrius II, 2nd reign (129 - 126/5 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 17 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2170.1
17 mm.
5.27 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Head of Zeus right.
Reverse: Athena standing left holding Nike, Ξ to left. Unclear control in left field (off flan).
Note: Courtesy Jamison T. Graff collection.

Demetrius II, 2nd reign (129 - 126/5 BC)
Mint: Tyre
AE 21
SC 2198
21 x 19 mm.
5.72 gm.
Die position=2h
Obverse: Diademed head right.
Reverse: Galley.

A Young Antiochus Epiphanes
Child king at Antioch. Reign 128 BC.

Alexander II, 'Zabinas'
Pretender. Reign 128 - 123 BC. A usurper (Zabinas his Aramaic nickname: 'The Bought One'), Alexander claimed to be an adopted son of Alexander Balas. His forces beat Demetrius II in Lebanon and he was supposedly much loved by the populace (until he started robbing temples). He is usually shown smiling on his coins, probably before he realized that he was going to be put to death by Cleopatra Thea's son, Antiochus VIII, in 123 BC.

Alexander II (128 - 123 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 20 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2233.1c; SNG Spaer 2305; SGC 7126v.
20 mm.
6.87 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed head of Alexander II, right.
Reverse: Athena standing left holding Nike. Monogram (YE) and Grain Ear.

Alexander II (128 - 123 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 20
SC 2229.1 type; SNG Spaer 2380; SGC 7126v.
20 mm.
7.57 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed head of Alexander II, right.
Reverse: Young Dionysus standing left. ΔΠ&Rho = 184 SE = 129/8 BC. Control to left off flan.

Alexander II (128 - 123 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19
SC 2229.1; SNG Spaer 2380v.; SGC 7126v.
19 mm.
7.78 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed head of Alexander II, right.
Reverse: Young Dionysus standing left. ΔΠ&Rho = 184 SE = 129/8 BC. ΙΣΙ in left field, Crescent (?) under.

Alexander II (128 - 123 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19
127 BC
SC 2229.4; SGC 7125
19 mm.
5.71 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed head of Alexander II, right.
Reverse: Young Dionysus standing left. ΕΠ&Rho = 185 SE = 128/7 BC. ΙΣΙ in left field.

Alexander II (128 - 123 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 21 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2237.1e; SGC 7127
21 mm.
7.76 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed head of Alexander II, right.
Reverse: Double cornucopiae bound with diadem. Α above palm (?), to left; Π to right.

Alexander II (128 - 123 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 21 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2237.1f; SGC 7127
21 x 20 mm.
8.30 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed head of Alexander II, right.
Reverse: Double cornucopiae bound with diadem. Α above star, to left; Π to right.

Seleucus V
Son of Demetrius II and Cleopatra Thea. Reign 126/5 BC. Murdered after a very short time; perhaps by his mom.

Cleopatra Thea
Reign 125 BC.

Cleopatra Thea and Antiochus VIII Philometor (Grypus)
Joint reign 125 - 121 BC.

Cleopatra Thea and Antiochus VIII (125 - 121 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19
SC 2263 type; SGC 7139
18 x 19 mm.
5.00 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed and radiate head right.
Reverse: Owl standing on amphora.

Cleopatra Thea and Antiochus VIII (125 - 121 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 20
SC 2263
19 x 20 mm.
6.03 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Diademed and radiate head right.
Reverse: Owl standing on amphora.

Antiochus VIII Philometor (Grypus)
Son of Demetrius II and Cleopatra Thea. Reign 121 - 96 BC.

Antiochus VIII
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AR Tetradrachm (struck 111 - 109 BC)
SC 2302.1h
Gemini, LLC Auction I, 216
16.75 gm.
Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochus VIII, right.
Reverse: Zeus Uranius, draped, standing left, holding star on extended right hand.
Note: Temporary photo courtesy Gemini, LLC

Antiochus VIII (125 - 96 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 22
SC 2300 type; SGC 7154
18 x 22 mm.
5.36 gm.
Die position=11h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed head of Antiochus VIII, right.
Reverse: Eagle standing, left.

Antiochus VIII (125 - 96 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 20
SC 2300 type; SGC 7154
18 x 20 mm.
4.71 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed head of Antiochus VIII, right.
Reverse: Eagle standing, left.

Antiochus VIII (125 - 96 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19
SC 2308
19 mm.
6.13 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed and radiate head right.
Reverse: Eagle standing left. Date ΒΣ = SE 202 = 111/0 BC.

Antiochus VIII (125 - 96 BC)
Mint: Uncertain Northern Syrian mint
AE 19
SC 2318
19 mm.
6.44 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Laureate head right.
Reverse: Tripod.

Antiochus IX Philopator (Cyzicenus)
Son of Antiochus VII. Reign 115 - 95 BC.

Antiochus IX (115 - 95 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 19
SC 2364.1; SNG Spaer 2683; SGC 7170
18 x 19 mm.
5.17 gm.
Die position=3h
Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochus IX, right.
Reverse: Winged thunderbolt. Seleucid Era date: Θ9&Rho = 199 SE = 114/3 BC

Antiochus IX (115 - 95 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18 [Denomination 'B']
SC 2364
18 mm.
5.65 gm.
Die position=3h
Obverse: Bust right.
Reverse: Winged thunderbolt. Date corresponding to 114/3 BC.

Antiochus IX (115 - 95 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 18
SC 2364.1; SGC 7170
18 mm.
6.13 gm.
Die position=9h
Obverse: Diademed head of Antiochus IX, right.
Reverse: Winged thunderbolt. Seleucid Era date: Θ9&Rho = 199 SE = 114/3 BC

Antiochus IX (115 - 95 BC)
Mint: Antioch on the Orontes
AE 20
SC 2368
20 x 18 mm.
4.26 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Laureate head of Herakles right.
Reverse: Athena standing left.

Antiochus IX (115 - 95 BC)
Mint: Uncertain: Northern Syria, Phoenicia, or Coele Syria
AE 17 [Denomination 'C']
SC 2380; SGC 7174
17 mm.
4.33 gm.
Die position=1h
Obverse: Diademed head of Zeus, right.
Reverse: Tyche standing left, holding cornucopiae and rudder.

Antiochus IX (115 - 95 BC)
Mint: Uncertain Mint 122 in Northern Syria, Phoenicia, or Coele Syria
AE 15
SC 2378 type; SGC 7175
15 mm.
2.69 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Head of Athena in crested helmet, right.
Reverse: Prow of galley.

Seleucus VI Epiphanes Nicator
Son of Antiochus VIII. Reign 96 - 95 BC.

Antiochus X Eusebes Philopator
Son of Antiochus IX. Reign 95 - 90/88 BC.

Antiochus XI Epiphanes Philadelphus
Son of Antiochus VIII. Reign 95 BC.

Philip I Epiphanes Philadelphus
Son of Antiochus VIII. Reign 95 - 83? BC.

Demetrius III Philopator Soter (Eucaerus)
Son of Antiochus VIII. Reign 95 - 88 BC.

Demetrius III (95 - 88 BC)
Mint: Damascus
AE 18
SC 2455.3
18 mm.
3.56 gm.
Die position=11h
Obverse: Diademed, slightly bearded head of Demetrius III, right.
Reverse: Hermes standing facing, holding palm and caduceus. ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟC CΩΤΗΡΟC on left. Date in exergue: Ι|Σ = 96/5 BC.

Demetrius III (95 - 88 BC)
Mint: Damascus
AE 15
SC 2455
15 mm.
4.05 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed head right.
Reverse: Hermes standing left.

Demetrius III (95 - 88 BC)
Mint: Damascus
AE 20
SC 2456 type; SGC 7194
19 x 20 mm.
3.95 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed bust of Demetrius III, right.
Reverse: Hermes standing left on square basis. ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟC CΩΤΗΡΟC on left.

Demetrius III (95 - 88 BC)
Mint: Damascus
AE 18
SC 2456 type; SGC 7194
18 mm.
3.52 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Radiate, diademed bust of Demetrius III, right.
Reverse: Hermes standing left on square basis. ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟC CΩΤΗΡΟC on left.
Note: Courtesy Jamison T. Graff collection.

Antiochus XII Dionysus Epiphanes Philopator Callinicus
Son of Antiochus VIII. Reign 86 - 85 BC.

Antiochus XII (86 - 85 BC)
Mint: Damascus
AE 22
SC 2476
22 x 21 mm.
6.68 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Diademed beardless head right.
Reverse: Tyche standing left.

Cleopatra Selene and Antiochus XIII Philometor
c. 83/2 - before 75 BC.

Tigranes II of Armenia
King of Armenia. Reign 83 - 69 BC. Please go to the Armenia section

Antiochus XIII Philadelphus (Asiaticus)
Son of Antiochus X. Reign 69 - 64 BC.

Philip II Philorhomaios
Son of Philip I. Reign 66? - 63 BC.

Posthumous tetradrachms of Philip I
c. 69 - 57 BC.

[uncertain]

[_____]
Mint: _____
AE 25
SC ___
25 x 23 mm.
14.66 gm.
Die position=12h
Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right.
Reverse: Winged thunderbolt; monogram.
Note: Not sure this is a Seleucid coin.

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