Seleucid Antiochos VII Euergetes AR Tetradrachm, Antioch, 138–129 BC

Antiochos VII Euergetes, tetradrachm, silver, reign 138–129 BC, struck 138–129 BC at Antioch on the Orontes; 16.75 g; 28 mm. Obverse anepigraphic: diademed head of Antiochos VII right, with very long hair at the back of the neck. Reverse BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY; Athena standing left, resting left hand on grounded shield and holding Nike left; vertical spear rising from her arm; monograms in left field; laurel‑wreath border. Broad, centered strike with nearly complete wreath and legends, minor softness at the highest points. Cited as SC 2149.2; HGC 9, 1069.

Antiochos VII, also called Sidetes, was the last strong Seleucid ruler, restoring order in Syria, compelling a settlement with the Hasmoneans in Judea, and launching a major campaign against the Parthians; early victories regained Babylon and Susa before his defeat and death in 129 BC curtailed Seleucid power east of the Euphrates. The Antioch Athena Nikephoros tetradrachms were the principal silver issues of his reign and funded these operations, underscoring Antioch’s role as the empire’s chief mint.