Lot 216: Seleukid Kingdom. Demetrios II Nikator. First reign, 146-138 B.C. AR drachm. Probably Seleukeia in Pieria, before 139 B.C.

Seleukid Kingdom. Demetrios II Nikator. First reign, 146-138 B.C. AR drachm (18 mm, 12 h). Probably Seleukeia in Pieria, before 139 B.C. Diademed head of Demetrios II right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛ[ΦΟΥ] ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡ[ΟΣ], upright anchor; in exergue, [A]Ξ. SC 1927Ab; HGC 9, 983 (r2). Very rare. A few minor deposits on reverse. NGC Extremely Fine.

The anchor drachms of Demetrios II were all struck at the same mint, probably located at Seleukeia in Pieria. Demetrios held court at this important Mediterranean seaport before his eastern campaign in 139 B.C., and it was also the resting place of Seleukos I, whose personal badge was the anchor and whose remains were interred in the city.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 216
• Listing #: 174849
• Closed: Friday, September 16, 2016 6:11:40 PM CT
• Estimate: $300