162-150BC Seleukid, Syria, Demetrios I Soter Silver Tetradrachm VF
$595.00
Demetrios I Soter reclaimed the Seleucid throne in 162 BC after escaping captivity in Rome and overthrowing his rivals. As king, he restored stability by crushing rebellions and defending the empire, but he ultimately fell in battle against the forces of Alexander Balas in 150 BC.
Graded as Very Fine, lightly toned pleasing example
1 in stock
Description
Origin:Seleucid Empire, Syria
Region:Antioch Mint
Denomination:Tetradrachm
Composition:Silver
Date:162-150 BC
Obverse:Diademed head right within wreath
Reverse:BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Tyche seated left, holding baton and cornucopiae, Nereid supporting throne; ΠA monogram outer left.
Diameter & Weight:39mm, 16.5g, 1h
Grade:Very Fine
Provenance:Ex Private collection from Victoria
References:SNG Spaer 126
Demetrios I Soter and the Seleucid Empire of Syria
Struggle for the Throne
Demetrios I Soter, the son of Seleucid King Seleucus IV, fought relentlessly to reclaim his birthright. After his father’s assassination, his uncle, Antiochus IV, seized the throne. Held hostage in Rome as a political pawn, Demetrios escaped in 162 BC and returned to Syria, where he overthrew Antiochus’ young successor and took power.
Reign and Military Campaigns
As king, Demetrios focused on stabilizing the fractured Seleucid Empire. He crushed revolts, including the rebellion of Timarchus in Babylon, and earned the title “Soter” (Savior) for restoring order. He also battled external threats, strengthening his rule against rival Hellenistic kingdoms.
Downfall and Death
Despite his successes, Demetrios faced growing opposition. In 150 BC, a coalition led by Alexander Balas, backed by Egypt and Rome, challenged his authority. In the decisive battle, Demetrios fell, ending his reign and plunging the Seleucid Empire into further instability.
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Additional information
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