DEMETRIOS II SELEUCID AR TETRADRACHM, 2nd REIGN
SC 2195.2c, HGC 9, 1122, Extremely Fine, horn silver, minor graininess, 29.4mm, 13.80 grams, Tyre mint, Dated Year 184 - 129/128 B.C.E.
Obverse: Diademed bust of Demetrios II to right
Reverse: Eagle standing to left on prow, palm frond behind, monograms above club to left, monogram above ΔΠP (date year 184); M monogram between legs
Extremely Sharp and nearly Mint State!
These Tetradrachm types were struck in Tyre during the Seleukid reign shortly before Tyre's period of semi-autonomy. Instead of Melqart the king is represented. The reverse is the same eagle and club with the name of the king instead of the name of the city. These coins were found in the hoards circulating together with the later 'Shekels of Tyre'. As they circulated for a couple of centuries they certainly are candidates for the '30 pieces of silver'. They are called Tetradrachm (a Greek name) because they were struck under Greek rule, while the later 'Shekels" are given the semitic name due to the newly gained semi-autonomy of the Phoenician City. However, the location of mint and the value of the coin were the same. Can be considered an affordable way of owning a Shekel of Tyre.
