Regno seleucide. Lot of 3 Æ Chalkons including Seleukos II, Antiochos IV and Antiochos VIII (Senza Prezzo di Riserva)

Coin 1:

Civilization: Seleucid Empire
Ruler: Seleukos II Kallinikos
Mint: Antioch
Year: 246 - 226 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Chalkon
Diameter: 9.1mm
Weight: 1.0g
Reference: SCO# 1.706, SC1# 706, HGC 9# 328

Obverse
Laureate head of Apollo to right

Reverse
Bull butting to left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ below, monogram in upper left field


Coin 2:

Civilization: Seleucid Empire
Ruler: Antiochos IV Epiphanes
Mint: Antioch
Year: 175 - 172 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Chalkon
Diameter: 13.5mm
Weight: 3.05g

Obverse
Veiled, diademed bust of Laodice IV, right

Reverse
Elephant head to left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY

Coin 3:

Civilization: Seleucid Empire
Ruler: Antiochos VIII Grypos
Mint: Antioch
Year: 121 - 114 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Chalkon
Diameter: 18.0mm
Weight: 5.6g

Obverse
Radiate and diademed head of Antiochos VIII, facing right

Reverse
Eagle standing left, with sceptre over shoulder, date and cornucopia in exergue; ΒΑΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ


Seleukos II Kallinikos reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 246 to 226 BCE, a period marked by internal strife and external threats. He was the eldest son of Antiochus II Theos and Laodice I, ascending to the throne after the assassination of his father amidst the turmoil of the Third Syrian War (also known as the Laodicean War). His rule began under precarious circumstances, as his mother, Laodice I, orchestrated the murder of Berenice Syra, his father’s second wife, and their infant son, which triggered a prolonged conflict with the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

Seleukos II faced significant challenges early in his reign, particularly from Ptolemy III Euergetes, who invaded the Seleucid territories, capturing key regions such as Antioch and much of the eastern provinces. Although Seleukos managed to recover parts of his domain after Ptolemy’s withdrawal, his authority remained contested. His reign was further weakened by a civil war with his younger brother, Antiochus Hierax, who declared himself king in Asia Minor. This fratricidal conflict drained the empire’s resources and allowed local powers, like Pergamon and the Galatians, to gain greater autonomy.


Antiochos IV Epiphanes (r. 175–164 BCE), a Hellenistic king of the Seleucid Empire, was a polarizing figure whose reign was marked by ambition, cultural integration, and controversy. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and assumption of divine titles, he sought to consolidate his empire by promoting Hellenization. This policy aimed to unify his diverse subjects under Greek culture but antagonized traditionalist groups, especially in Judaea. His attempt to impose Greek customs and outlaw Jewish practices, including the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, ignited the Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BCE).

Antiochos IV also pursued military campaigns, including a successful expedition to Egypt and a subsequent humiliation by Rome, which forced his retreat. Domestically, his lavish building projects, like the temple of Zeus in Antioch, showcased his affinity for Greek art and religion but strained the empire’s finances. His reign ended abruptly during a campaign in Persia, leaving a legacy as a dynamic yet divisive ruler who inadvertently inspired enduring resistance to Hellenistic rule.

Antiochus VIII Grypus reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 125 to 96 BCE, navigating one of its most turbulent periods. He was the son of Demetrius II and Cleopatra Thea, and his reign began amid significant instability and competing claims to the throne. Early in his rule, he faced threats from his own mother, Cleopatra Thea, who initially sought to control him and even attempted to poison him. Antiochus survived and secured his rule by having Cleopatra Thea killed, thus establishing his independence.

Antiochus VIII’s reign was dominated by a fierce civil war with his half-brother, Antiochus IX Cyzicenus, resulting in the empire's division. The prolonged conflict led to a fractured kingdom, where rival factions, cities, and warlords wielded considerable autonomy, weakening central authority. Antiochus VIII managed to maintain control over parts of Syria and, at times, exercised limited influence over other regions. He was assassinated in 96 BCE, likely by a courtier, leaving the weakened Seleucid Empire further fragmented. His reign symbolized the deepening decline of the Seleucid dynasty, as internal divisions and external pressures hastened its collapse.