CNG 93, Lot: 513. Estimate $300. Sold for $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SELEUKID KINGS of SYRIA. Kleopatra Thea & Antiochos VIII. 125-121 BC. Æ (21mm, 7.76 g, 1h). Uncertain mint 115 in northern Syria (Damaskos?). Struck circa 122-121 BC. Jugate busts right / Nike advancing left, holding wreath; uncertain symbol (club?) to outer left; to inner left, HP monogram above palm frond. SC 2265 var. (no symbol to outer left); HGC 9, 1190. Good VF, black patina, obverse a little off center. Exceptional for this very rare issue, possibly the finest known.

All of the few illustrated examples of this issue are so poorly preserved, or struck off center, that it is impossible to discern whether there is a symbol in the outer left field. At the same time, even on this exceptional piece, where it is clearly visible, it is difficult to determine what the mark, a long vertical line with a pellet at each end and a third pellet near the bottom, represents.