121-96 BC Seleucid Kingdom Antiochus VIII Silver Tetradrachm NGC Choice About Uncirculated 4x3

Few Hellenistic silver coins capture the drama of a dynastic power struggle quite like a tetradrachm of Antiochus VIII Grypus, struck during one of the most turbulent reigns of the Seleucid Kingdom. Antiochus VIII ruled from 121 to 96 BC, contending with his half-brother Antiochus IX in a prolonged civil war that would hasten the decline of the once-mighty Seleucid Empire. This AR Tetradrachm, weighing 16.53 grams, was produced at a Seleucid mint during that contested reign and represents a high-denomination silver issue central to Hellenistic commerce and royal propaganda.

The obverse presents a right-facing diademed portrait of Antiochus VIII with flowing, carefully rendered curls framing the face - a bold and individualistic royal image characteristic of late Seleucid portraiture. The hair is executed in strong relief, and the facial features retain clear definition. The reverse depicts Athena standing, holding Nike and a spear with shield at her side, surrounded by the Greek royal legend BASILEWS ANTIOCHOU, with control marks flanking the central figure - a composition conveying divine authority and military might.

NGC has certified this tetradrachm Choice About Uncirculated with a Strike of 4 and Surface of 3, reflecting well-preserved devices and a coin that saw only the lightest circulation. The surfaces show the expected patina of age with some darkening in the fields, while the portrait and reverse figures retain sharp, bold definition. Antiochus VIII tetradrachms in Choice AU are seldom encountered, making this a substantive addition to any collection focused on Hellenistic or Seleucid coinage. For those seeking a high-grade, historically resonant ancient silver coin from one of antiquity's great successor kingdoms, this example delivers. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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