Alexander I Balas (152-145) AR Tetradrachm

The Seleucid Kings, Alexander I Balas (152-145) AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 13.78g.), Dated SE 167 (146/5 BC) Tyre mint, circa 146-145. Diademed and draped bust r. R/ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ Eagle standing l. On prow l.; Palm frond behind; To l., club surmounted by Tyre monogram; To r., ZΞP (date) above monogram. SC 1835.6.

Alexander Balas (died 145 bc) was the king of Syria and Pergamum (Greek Asia Minor) and ruler of the remains of the Seleucid Empire (150–145 bc). The pretended son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, he won the Seleucid throne with the help of mercenaries, challenging and slaying Demetrius I Soter, the direct Seleucid heir.