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Baktria, Diodotus I as Satrap for Antiochus II Theos, c. 255 - 250 B.C.
 | Diodotus I was the Seleukid governor of Baktro-Sogdiana early in Antiochos II's reign. His first coinage was issued with the Seleukid monarch's portrait. He then issued coins, like this one, with his own portrait, yet retaining the name of Antiochos as king. Diodotus' territory was so remote that he was king in all but title. About 250 B.C., he took the title too and issued coins as king in his own name (BASILEWS DIODOTOU).
Recent scholarship shows that Ai Khanoum (Greek name uncertain) was the principal mint of the region, located on the frontier between Afghanistan and the former Soviet Union. |
SH33186. Gold stater, Houghton SC 630, Newell ESM 723, SGCV II 7497, gVF, obverse test cut, Ai Khanoum mint, weight 8.310g, maximum diameter 19.0mm, die axis 180o, obverse diademed head of middle-aged Diodotus I right; reverse BASILEWS ANTIOCOU, Zeus striding left, naked, aegis over extended left arm, hurling fulmen with raised right, wreath over eagle inner left; rare; SOLD
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