Gemini III, January 9th, 2007
Lot # 241 - Estimate: US$4000

SELEUCID KINGDOM. Alexander I Balas. (152–145 BC). Silver 
tetradrachm (16.07 gm). Antioch, Special issue of 149/8 BC. Diademed 
head of Alexander I right / BAÓIËEÙÓ AËEÎANÄÑOÕ ÈEOÐATOÑOÓ 
EÕEÑÃETOÕ, Athena standing left, supporting wreath-bearing Nike on 
extended right hand and resting left on grounded shield, vertical 
spear propped in crook of left arm, ÁÑ monogram above ÐÑ monogram in 
inner left field, date ÄÎÑ (SE 164) in exergue. SC Part 2 
(forthcoming), 1783b. One of only two recorded. Extremely rare. Very 
fine. 

Ex Numismatic Fine Arts VI, 27–28 February 1979, lot 378, $10,000. 

As his personal reverse type Alexander Balas adopted the enthroned 
Zeus Nicephorus of his supposed father, Antiochus IV. For unknown 
reasons, in 149/8 he authorized a small special issue of Antiochene 
tetradrachms depicting a standing Athena Nicephorus on the reverse. 

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