Demetrios II Nikator AR drachm, Antioch, Second Reign, 129–126 BC

Demetrios II Nikator, drachm, silver, second reign 129–126 BC, Antioch on the Orontes, 129–126 BC; 3.89 g; 19 mm. Obverse anepigraphic; diademed, bearded head of Demetrios II right. Reverse ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡΟΣ; Zeus seated left, holding Nike in right hand and long scepter in left; Ξ in outer left field; O below throne. Struck on a broad flan, obverse slightly off center; reverse well centered with controls clear. SC 2166.2c. Issued at Antioch during Demetrios II’s restoration to the Seleucid throne after release from Parthian captivity, this type broadcasts his divine and victorious status through the legend “Theos Nikator” and the image of Zeus presenting Nike. The series reflects the brief attempt to reassert royal authority in Syria following the death of Antiochos VII and amid internal dynastic conflict, with Antioch serving as the principal mint for his second reign.