SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Alexander I Balas, 152-145 BC. (Bronze, 15 mm, 1.68 g, 5 h), Uncertain western mint. Radiate and diademed head of Alexander I to right. Rev. [Β]ΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ [ΑΛΕΞΑ]ΝΔΡ[ΟΥ] Apollo standing facing, head left, holding arrow in right hand and resting left arm on short column behind; in right field, uncertain control. HGC 9 -. SC -. Apparently unpublished. Brown patina. About very fine.
This type is unpublished in the standard references. The legend on the reverse is sufficiently clear to indicate that it is struck in the name of an Alexander, so the question becomes is it a coin of Alexander I Balas, 152-145 BC, or of Alexander II Zabinas, 128-122 BC. Unfortunately, there is no certain way to tell, but the hair and the portrait are more reminiscent of Alexander I.
Price realized | 180 CHF |
Starting price | 35 CHF |