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Chalkon - Alexander I Balas
| Issuer | Seleucid Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 149 BC - 147 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse script | Greek |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Alexander I Balas seized the Seleucid throne by claiming to be a son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes — a genealogy almost certainly fabricated, backed militarily by Attalus II of Pergamon and Rome, who found him useful against Demetrius I. He defeated and killed Demetrius in 150 BC, then promptly squandered his political capital through neglect of administration and a reputation for dissolute behavior that alienated his own commanders. His father-in-law Ptolemy VI eventually switched sides against him.
This small bronze was struck during the narrow window before his position fully collapsed. Balas was dead by 145 BC.