Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Coin, silver tetradrachm, Antiochus VIII; Late 2nd to early 1st Century BC; 180.96.6

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCoin, silver tetradrachm, Antiochus VIII

About this objectKing Antiochus VIII was the ruler of the Seleucid Empire in Syria from 125 to 96 BC. He was nicknamed Grypos, meaning “hook-nose”, which is clearly evident on the obverse image of this tetradrachm. Grypos, and his Egyptian contemporary, King Ptolemy X, intentionally accentuated their unattractive and overweight features on their coins. Contrary to the military might that previous kings had promoted in their portraits, Grypos wished to promote the concept of Tryphê, meaning to live a good life of pleasure and peace, across his kingdom.

The reverse side of the coin depicts the reasonably conventional image of an enthroned Zeus, holding a statuette of the victory goddess Nike in one hand and a sceptre in the other, with a thunderbolt placed overhead. The inscriptions down either side of Zeus read BASILEŌS ANTIOCHOU / EPIPHANOUS, meaning “King Antiochus, the glorious”. This title and the imagery here ultimately promote Grypos’ power.

Date MadeLate 2nd to early 1st Century BC

PeriodHellenistic

Place MadeSyria

Medium and MaterialsMetal; Silver

Inscription and MarksInscriptions on reverse side: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ / ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ (BASILEŌS ANTIOCHOU / EPIPHANOUS). Small monograph beneath Zeus' throne.

TechniqueStriking (metalworking)

MeasurementsWeight 16.16g
Diameter ca. 27mm

Subject and Association KeywordsGods in art

Subject and Association KeywordsGoddesses in art

Subject and Association KeywordsInscriptions, Greek

Subject and Association KeywordsKings and rulers in art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by M.K. Steven

Object TypeExchange Media

Object number180.96.6