Alexander was a native of Smyrna of humble origin, but pretended to be the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and heir to the Seleucid throne.
Alexander's claims were recognized by the Roman Senate, Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt and others. He married Cleopatra Thea, a daughter of the Ptolemaic dynasty. At first unsuccessful, Alexander finally defeated Demetrius Soter in 150 BC.
Demetrius Soter's son Demetrius II profited by the opportunity to regain the throne. Alexander was defeated in 145 BC at the battle of Antioch in Syria.
He fled for refuge to a Nabataean prince, who murdered him and sent his head to Ptolemy Philometor.
Reverse: Eagle standing left on prow left, with palm branch over shoulder; to left, club surmounted by (TYP) monogram; to right, EΞP (date) above (ΓHP) monogram; AΛEΞANΔPOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 13.1 g
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Reverse: Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY to left, monogram in exergue
Die Orientation: 1 H
Weight: 16.8 g
Ex Roma Numismatics Auction XXI (Day 1); Lot 303. Ex Leu Numismatik Auction 7; Lot 1366 and Auction 2; Lot 155
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Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, eagle with closed wings standing left, palm frond behind; ςΞP in left field, ΣΙΔΩ above aphlaston in right field
Die Orientation: 1 H
Weight: 14.21 g
Ex Roma Numismatics Auction XXI (Day 1); Lot 304. Ex Kleinkunst Collection (Leu Numismatik Auction 6; Lot 276). Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger Auction 328 (2-4 May 1990); Lot 258.