CV Coins & Collectables proudly presents this AR Tetradrachm of Demetrius II Nicator, ruler of the Seleucid Kingdom from 146/5-138 BC. Certified NGC Fine (F), this historic silver coin was struck during one of the most turbulent periods of the Hellenistic world. As one of the final major Seleucid rulers, Demetrius II’s coinage offers collectors a tangible connection to the declining years of Alexander the Great’s successor empire.
Coin Highlights:
- Kingdom: Seleucid Kingdom
- Ruler: Demetrius II Nicator
- Reign: 146/5-138 BC
- Denomination: AR Tetradrachm
- Composition: Silver
- Grade: NGC F (Fine)
- Authentic Hellenistic silver coin
- Struck during the late Seleucid Empire
Design:
The obverse features a portrait of Demetrius II Nicator, displaying the realistic Hellenistic style that characterized Seleucid royal coinage. His portrait reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of the empire’s mints during its final century.
The reverse depicts the traditional Seleucid deity and Greek inscriptions proclaiming the king’s authority, accompanied by mint symbols and monograms that identify the issuing mint and period of production.
Historical Significance:
Demetrius II inherited a kingdom weakened by internal conflict and growing external threats. Throughout his reign he fought rival claimants to the throne while attempting to preserve Seleucid control over Syria and neighboring territories. His most ambitious campaign was directed against the expanding Parthian Empire, where he was ultimately captured and held in captivity for nearly a decade.
His reign marked a turning point in Seleucid history as the empire steadily lost territory and influence, making his coinage an important reminder of the final generations of one of antiquity’s greatest Hellenistic kingdoms.
Collectibility:
Silver tetradrachms of Demetrius II remain popular with collectors of ancient Greek and Hellenistic coinage due to their historical importance and attractive royal portraits. This NGC Fine example represents an affordable opportunity to own an authentic silver coin from the final century of the Seleucid Empire and the dramatic struggles that shaped the ancient Near East. Find more alike here!
