Civilization: Seleucid Empire
Ruler: Antiochos VIII Grypos
Mint: Antioch
Year: 121 - 114 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Chalkon
Diameter: 18.6mm
Weight: 6.5g
Reference:

Obverse
Radiate and diademed head of Antiochos VIII, facing right

Reverse
Eagle standing left, with sceptre over shoulder, date and cornucopia in exergue; ΒΑΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ

Antiochus VIII Grypus reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 125 to 96 BCE, navigating one of its most turbulent periods. He was the son of Demetrius II and Cleopatra Thea, and his reign began amid significant instability and competing claims to the throne. Early in his rule, he faced threats from his own mother, Cleopatra Thea, who initially sought to control him and even attempted to poison him. Antiochus survived and secured his rule by having Cleopatra Thea killed, thus establishing his independence.

Antiochus VIII’s reign was dominated by a fierce civil war with his half-brother, Antiochus IX Cyzicenus, resulting in the empire's division. The prolonged conflict led to a fractured kingdom, where rival factions, cities, and warlords wielded considerable autonomy, weakening central authority. Antiochus VIII managed to maintain control over parts of Syria and, at times, exercised limited influence over other regions. He was assassinated in 96 BCE, likely by a courtier, leaving the weakened Seleucid Empire further fragmented. His reign symbolized the deepening decline of the Seleucid dynasty, as internal divisions and external pressures hastened its collapse.