NEWP: Antiochus VIII Tetradrachm

Zohar · July 25, 2014 9:21AM

Another Seleucid Kingdom Tetradrachm. A touch inferior to the Antiochus IX I recently posted. Superbly struck and centered with very fine artistic engraving style.

Seleucid Kingdom. Antiochus VIII Epiphanes Grypos. AR Tetradrachm. 121-96 BC. Antioch Mint, first reign. 28mm, 16.42gr. HGC 9, 1197e. SMA 367. Obv: Diademed portrait bust of Antiochus VIII right. Fillet border. Rev: Zeus Uranius (with crescent moon above head), wearing himation, standing left, holding star and resting on scepter. The whole in laurel wreath. Brilliant, with a very sharp and well detailed striking. Wonderful, artistic portrait. NGC MS 5/5, 4/5, Fine Style.

mdwoods · July 25, 2014 10:57AM

Beautiful coin. Where do you suppose it was at all this time to remain looking so nice? Even if it was conserved it must have been somewhere where it didn't corrode.

Zohar · July 26, 2014 9:37AM

I would guess stashed where the elements did not impact the metal. The coin has clearly been professionally cleaned exposing a fabulous strike, centering and detail at the price of removing the original "skin". I like this one a lot.