GREEK. SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos). 121/0-97/6 BC. Silver Tetradrachm (16.72g). Ptolemais (Ake) mint. Struck circa 121/0-113 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus Ouranios standing left, holding star and sceptre; monogram to outer left; all within wreath. SC 2336.2a; HGC 9, 1197h. Superb EF. Incredible old cabinet toning with golden and bluish hues across the devices. Well centered on a broad flan of excellent metal. This tetradrachm was struck at Ptolemais (Ake) in the early years of Antiochos VIII Epiphanes and perfectly captures the late Seleukid blend of royal image and religious message. With Zeus Ouranios invoked as a celestial guardian of kingship, it reflects a dynasty in troubled times still keen to project cosmic legitimacy and power. A rare and impressive piece from the last flowering of Seleukid authority on the eastern Mediterranean stage. (P)

Estimate: AUD 1500