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Early in the first millennium BC, the ancient marine city of Tyre was the flourishing center of the Phoenician world. Over the centuries, numerous enemies laid siege to its formidable150-ft walls. Perhaps most famous was the campaign of Alexander the Great, who toiled for an unprecedented seven months with heavy losses to take the city. After Alexander’s death in 323 BC, his conquered territories were divided amongst his generals, and Tyre came under the domain of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. In the early 2nd century BC, after a series of wars, the city came under the rule of Antioch III the Great and his Seleucid kingdom.
This coin was minted in Tyre three generations later, when the Seleucids were ruled by Antiochus VII (c. 159 – 129 AD). In 132 AD, he laid siege to Jerusalem, and, either via battle or peace treaty, was victorious; his respectful treatment of Jews afterwards earned him the nickname Euergetes, the benefactor.
This Antiochus VII tetradrachm is an example of the eagle reverse variety, also called a Shekel, and was produced specifically for commerce with the east. Another version of the coin was also produced, with Athena holding Nike on the reverse, for dealings with the west (e.g., Greeks).
Euergetes spent his final years trying to reclaim territories lost to Mithridates I and the Parthians. His Seleucid forces, including Judean mercenaries, were successfully initially, but ultimately defeated. Euergetes was either killed by his enemies, or committed suicide to avoid capture. The last important Seleucid king and last great Seleucid army had come to their end.
Coin Details: SELEUCID KINGDOM, Antiochus VII, 138-129 BC, AR Tetradrachm (14.03 g), Tyre, minted 131-130 BC (year 182), NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: diademed head right, Reverse: eagle standing on prow, BASILEWS ANTIOCOU, A over RE at upper left above Tyre monogram and club, A vS over BPR in upper right field, GHR monogram between the eagle's legs, References: BMC 11; SC 2109; Hoover 1074.