Seleucid Empire, Asia Minor. Antiochus VIII, Epihanes (Gryphos), 121/0 – 97/6 BC Antiochia on the Orontes, c. 121-113 BC
Seleucid Empire, Asia Minor. Antiochus VIII, Epihanes (Gryphos), 121/0 – 97/6 BC Antiochia on the Orontes, c. 121-113 BC
AR Tetradrachm, 16.62g (28mm, 12h).
Diademed head of Antiochus VIII r. Fillet border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ – ANTIOXOY EΠI – ΦANOYΣ Zeus Uranius standing l., holding star in r. hand and sceptre in l.; in l. field, IE on A and in r. field, A. All within wreath.
Pedigree: Ex Stack’s Bowers, 12 August 2015, Lot 33050.
References: SMA 365. SNG Spaer 2498. SC 2298.2f.
Grade: Previously NGC graded Ch AU strike 5/5, surface 5/5. Lovely iridescent toning. Good EF
gk1994
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Despite an early attempt to employ the epithet Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), Antiochus VIII is more commonly known as Grypus (“Hook Nose”). With a nose once described as “griffin-like” by C. Oman, in his Article The Chronology of the Coinage of Antiochus VIII of Syria, it is clear that the King did not always get what he wanted. After surviving an assassination attempt by his mother in 121 BC, Antiochus VIII took the throne solely as a 20-year-old. This coin was struck shortly thereafter during a short period of peace and prosperity before the King’s half-brother Antiochus IX arrived and sparked a brutal civil war. This war would rage until Antiochus was overthrown in a coup and then died in 96 BC, and would see numerous atrocities committed by both sides.
