SELEUKID KINGDOM
Demetrios II Nikator, 145-138 BC / 129-125 BC
AE19. 5.07g, 19mm
MINTED: Antioch on the Orontes, 129/8 BC
REF: HGC 9, 1134
OBVERSE: Bearded and diademed bust of Demetrios II right.
REVERSE: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ / ΘEOY NIKATOPOΣ, Apollo standing left, holding arrow and grounded bow; [SE date ΔΠP (129/8 BC) in exergue]; monogram to right.

 
Grade/Notes:
Fine. Dark, brownish-green patina. Some surface roughness. 
 
Historical Notes:
Demetrios II was a son and successor of Demetrios I.  His first rule began in 145 BC and ended in 138 BC, after he was taken captive by the Parthians when he was on campaign against them.  Though he was their prisoner, Demetrios was treated well by the Parthians and kept in comfort in Hyrkania.  After 8 years in exile, the Parthians released Demetrios and set him against his brother Antiochos VII who had invaded Parthia.  Antiochos, however, was defeated soon after this, and Demetrios escaped back to his kingdom and regained his throne.  His second reign was shortlived, however, and lasted from 129 BC to 125 BC, when he was dethroned by a usurper, Alexander Zabinas.  Unpopular and deserted by his people and even his own wife, Demetrios attempted to escape by ship but was captured and killed.​​​​​​​