SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. First reign, 146-138 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.18 g, 1h). Phoenician standard. Sidon mint. Dated SE 168 (145/4 BC). EF.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 382. Estimated: $ 500

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 2 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. First reign, 146-138 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.18 g, 1h). Phoenician standard. Sidon mint. Dated SE 168 (145/4 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / Eagle standing left; palm frond over far shoulder; to left, HΞΡ (date) above ΠΑ monogram; to right, ΣΙΔΩ above aphlaston. SC 1954.2b; HGC 9, 969; DCA2 91. Iridescent tone, light scuff on obverse. EF.

Ex North River Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 512, purchased from Brian Kritt, January 2000.

After establishing himself in power over the Seleukid Empire by rather brutal means, Demetrios II undertook to reclaim his eastern territories from the Parthians in 138 BC. At first successful, his forces were ambushed in the Iranian mountains and Demetrios was taken prisoner by the Parthian King Mithradates I. He remained in captivity for eight years, during which time Mithradates treated him honorably and even married him to a Parthian princess. He was released in 130 BC to sow discord within the ranks of the invading Seleukid army of his brother and successor, Antiochos VII. However, Antiochos was killed in the ensuing military debacle, leaving Demetrios II as sole ruler for the second time. His years among the Parthians had changed him visibly – he emerged with a long, flowing beard, much against Greek fashion of the day. His pro-Parthian policies made his countryman regard him suspiciously, leading to his overthrow in 125 BC. Despite his troubled regime, his coin portraits from the second reign are some of the best in the entire Seleukid series.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session Two – Lot 309-594 will be held Tuesday morning, 15 September 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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