Greek Coin Tetradrachm 

Inv. No.: c034
Provenance: Sidon
Date: 121-96 B.C.
Weight: 15.73g
 
Obv.: Antiochus VIII (Grypus), diademed; fillet border.

Rev.: Zeus standing, crescent on head, star in right hand, sceptre in left hand; all enclosed in a laurel wreath.

Antiochus’ portrait is distinguished by a hearty realism. After a reign of twenty-one years, marked by frequent struggles with rival claimants to the throne, he was treacherously murdered at the age of forty-five.

The reverse recalls the reign of Antiochus IV, one of the most illustrious of the Seleucid dynasty.

Comparanda:
Cf. BMCG, Seleucid Kings of Syria, Antiochus VIII (Grypus) 9.