SELEUKID KINGS. Alexander I Balas, 152-145 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 14.15 g, 12 h), Ptolemaic standard. Laodikeia in Phoenicia (Berytos), SE 166 = 147/6 BC. Diademed head of Alexander I to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - AΛEΞANΔPOY Eagle, wings closed, standing left on palm branch; in field to left, CΞP (date) above monogram; to upper right, trident. Sawaya 37-44 var. (D14/-). SC 1824.4. Exceptionally sharp and attractive, a wonderful piece with attractive collection toning. Tiny marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.



Alexander I Balas was a claimant to the Seleucid throne who presented himself as a son of Antiochos IV Epiphanes. With the support of Rome, Pergamon, and Ptolemaic Egypt, he defeated and killed Demetrios I Soter in 150 BC and assumed control of the Seleucid kingdom. His position was further strengthened by his marriage to Cleopatra Thea, daughter of Ptolemy VI Philometor, with whom he had a son, the future Antiochos VI Dionysos. His rule was soon challenged by Demetrios II Nikator, while Ptolemy VI ultimately withdrew his support and transferred his allegiance to Alexander’s rival. Defeated near Antioch in 145 BC, Alexander fled to Arabia, where he was killed shortly afterwards.