Lot 1940

Description

Syria, Seleucid kingdom of Cleopatra Thea and Antiochus VIII (125-121 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (15.81 grams), Ake-Ptolemais mint, obv. cojoined heads to r., of Cleopatra veiled and diademed and her son Anthiochus VIII to r., rev. Zeus enthroned holding Nike and sceptre, trace of monogram in l. field, (cf. Houghton 804, Newell 8 (Pl.II, ANS NNM 84, very similar dies to Naville X, 1383, cf.S.7135). Concave flan, smoothed lettering. otherwise very fine and rare.

The attribution of the issue was first recognised by Newell as belonging to Ake-Ptolemais and this is also recognised by Houghton.