SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. Second reign, 129-125 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.40 g, 12h). Damaskos mint. Dated SE 184 (129/8 BC). Near EF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 325. Estimated: $ 1 500

Greek, 12h, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 2 250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. Second reign, 129-125 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.40 g, 12h). Damaskos mint. Dated SE 184 (129/8 BC). Diademed and bearded head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY NIKA-TOPOΣ, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; below throne, Ξ above Δ; ΔΠ[P] (date) in exergue. SC 2181.2b; Schwei Group 3, 29–31 (A5/P19); HGC 9, 1116d; DCA2 163; SNG Spaer 2266 (same dies). Lightly toned, compact flan, a few minor scratches. Near EF.

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 Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session Two – Lot 302-613 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 13 January 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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