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Image search results - "Baktrian"
Baktria,_Diodotos_I,_AR_tetradrachm_-_Holt_A6_4_(this_coin)~0.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos I, ca. 255/250-240 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of Diodotos I right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY Zeus advancing left hurling thunderbolt, eagle at feet, ΙΔΤ (Iota, Delta, Sampi) monogram in inner left field.

Holt A6.4 (this coin); Kritt A6 (plate 2 A6 this coin); CSE 1294 (this coin); SNG Lockett 3109 (this coin ID: SNGuk_0300_3109); Pozzi 2945 (this coin); ESM 717α (this coin); SNG ANS 77; SC 631.a; Bopearachchi 2E; Mitchiner 64d; Qunduz 6; HGC 9, 243.
Mint "A" - Ai Khanoum

(26 mm, 15.73 g, 6h).
Herakles Numismatics; ex- Houghton Collection (CSE 1294); ex- Lockett Collection (SNGLockett 3109); ex- Pozzi Collection: Naville Sale I (1921) 2945 (sold for CHF 35).

This coin has a very distinguished provenance and has been published as plate coin in four reference works.

The emission with the ΙΔΤ (Iota, Delta Sampi) mint control mark is the most abundant of the Diodotid issues, representing about 13% of known Diodotid precious metal coins. The same control carries over into the early coinage of Euthydemos, although eventually displaced by the PK control monogram after 208/6 BC when Antiochos III captured Ai Khanoum while Euthydemos remained besieged at Baktra, after which it appears that Baktra/Balkh assumed the role of primary royal mint in Baktria. In is notable that the Archaic Greek letter Sampi forms the bottom of the ΙΔΤ monogram. It is an Archaic Greek form of a double Sigma that persisted in Greek dialects of Asia Minor. Many Greek settlers from Asia Minor migrated to Baktria, including the illustrious ruler Euthydemos from Magnesia in either Lydia, or Ionia. The archaic Greek Sampi possibly traveled to Baktria with the earliest Greek settlers from Asia Minor.
n.igma
Antimachos_I_Theos_1D_Leu_Numismatik.jpg
Antimachos I Theos TetradrachmBAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I, circa 180-165 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 31 mm, 17.08 g, 12 h), Baktra. Diademed and draped bust of Antimachos I to right, wearing flat topped kausia. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΘΕΟΥ - ΑΝΤΙΜΑΧΟΥ Poseidon, nude to the waist, standing facing, holding long trident in his right hand and filleted palm branch in his left; to lower right, monogram. Bopearachchi 1D. HGC 12, 106. Light marks and with minor doubling on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.



From the collection of Dr. D. Löer, formed since the 1970s, privately acquired from Lothar Holland (with original dealer's ticket).
Baktrian_Apollodotus_I_GCV_7594.JPG
Apollodotus I Soter, 174 - 165 BCObv: BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right, AΠOΛΛOΔOY above, ΣΩTHPOΣ on left, Apollo standing, facing, holding arrow in right hand and a bow in left.

Rev: Karosthi legend (Maharajasa Apaladatasa tratarasa) around, tripod with monogram on right, within a square dotted border.

Æ Square Hemiobol

9.26 grams, 22.6 mm, 0°

GCV 7594, SNG ANS 346 - 378
Matt Inglima
ArsakesII.jpg
Arsakes IIAR Drachm (16mm, 4.09 g, 12h). Rhagai-Arsakeia(?) mint. Struck circa 211-209 BC. Head left, wearing bashlyk and earring / Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow; to right, eagle standing facing, head left, with wings displayed; APΣAK•Y downward to left. Sellwood 6.1; A&S Type 6, obv. 6/1, rev. 6/2; Shore 4; Sunrise 241-3.

Arsakes II, son of Arsakes I, ascended the Parthian throne about 210 BC. At roughly the same time, the Seleukid king Antiochos III (223-187 BC) marched out of Ecbatana to recover the eastern Seleukid provinces that were lost to the young Parthian kingdom. Justin (41.5.7) comments that Arsakes II fought with admirable gallantry against Antiochos, and finally became his ally. Whether the Parthians resumed minting after the return of Antiochos returned to Ekbatana in 205 BC, after his Baktrian expedition, cannot be ascertained. It is possible that, until his defeat by the Romans at the Battle of Magnesia in 190/189 BC, Antiochos held sway over Iran at least as far east as the Baktrian frontiers and thus suppressed the circulation of non-Seleukid currencies. Unfortunately, the exact date and circumstances of the death of Arsakes II are unknown. The superb condition of the great majority of S6 drachms of Arsakes II implies that they were minted and almost immediately interred at around the time of Antiochos III’s eastern expedition to Parthia and Baktria in 209 BC (from CNG).
3 commentsThatParthianGuy
10220v.jpg
Bactria, Graeco-Baktrian Kings, Demetrios, Æ29, ca. 200-185 BC.Bactria, Graeco-Baktrian Kings, Demetrios,
Æ29, Hemi-obol / Triple Unit / Trichalkon (28-29 mm / 12.41 g), ca. 200-185 BC.,
Obv.: Head of elephant slightly right with raised trunk, wearing bell.
Rev.: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, either side of large caduceus (with serpent heads at the upper ends), monogram ΔPI... in field to left.
SNG ANS 209-11 ; Bopearachchi Série 5C ; MIG 108a ; cf. Sear GC 7533 .

my ancient coin database
3 commentsArminius
Menander.jpg
Bactrian/Indo Greek - Menander Soter (155-130 BCE)Size/Metal: AR16; Weight: 2.31 grams; Mint: Unknown; Denomination: Drachm; Date: 155-130 BCE; Obverse: Diademed bust of king right, Greek legend around: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ // MENANΔPOY Reverse: Athena Alkidemos standing left, holding shield on outstretched left arm, hurling thunderbolt with right hand, monogram at right, Kharoshthi legend around: maharajasa tratarasa // menamdrasa,. References: MIG 215f; Bop 130; SNG ANS 808-820.museumguy
Mendander_Soter.jpg
Bactrian/Indo Greek - Menander Soter (155-130 BCE)Size/Metal: AR17; Weight: 2.48 grams; Mint: Taxila; Denomination: Drachm; Date: 155-130 BCE; Obverse: Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet covered with pelt of scales and adorned with head of wing. Legend surrounds: (Greek: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ (BASILEOS SOTEROS MENANDROU). Reverse: Athena Alkidemos advancing left; shield decorated with aegis over left arm, hurling thunderbolt; monogram to right. Kharoshthi legend: MAHARAJA TRATARASA MENADRASA. References: Bopearachchi 161; HGC #12, 193; SNG ANS 879-92; Sear GC #7597 (different monogram).museumguy
!Baktria_bg.jpg
BaktriaAlexander the Great's empire split into rival Hellenistic kingdoms ruled by his generals. The most far-flung part was Baktria, his conquests in what is today Afghanistan, western India and Pakistan. Greek settlers ruled over a much larger indigenous population. As centuries went by, this isolated outpost of Greek culture combined elements of both Greek and native traditions, oftentimes reflected in their bilingual coins. The main mints include Aï Khanoum, Bactra, and Pushkalavati.
* Cover art for the Baktrian Coin Gallery *
(please choose 'Position △' for proper order)
1 commentsAnaximander
Euthidemos_AE_.jpg
BAKTRIA – EUTHYDEMOS I – AE – HERAKLES – HORSEBAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. Æ Double Unit (9,07g). Struck circa 225-208/6 BC. Bearded head of Herakles right / Horse prancing right.; HGC 12, 53.Antonivs Protti
Menander_Athena_1a.jpg
Baktria, Graeco Baktrian Kings. Menander * ca. 155-130 BC. AR Drachm
Silver Drachm, Menander, Graeco-Baktria

Obv: Diademed heroic bust, with aegis and spear raised in combative-posture, left-facing.
Rev: Athena Alkidemos left, hurling thunderbolt in right hand, holding hoplon shield raised in left hand; monogram in right field, Legend above.

Mint: Taxila (?)
Struck: 155-130 BC.

Size: 18 mm. (&nd slightly oblong on horizontal-plane)
Weight: 2.44 grams
Die axis: 355 degs.

Interesting aged-appearance; some luster, some wear, light corrosion & ample deposits (particularly on the reverse).

Bopearachchi Série 7B, 37-40
MIG 224c.
Bop 037
Tiathena
10415v.jpg
Baktria, Graeco-Baktrian Kings, Euthydemos I., Æ Double Unit, 235-200 BC.Baktria, Graeco-Baktrian Kings, Euthydemos I.,
Æ Double Unit (21-23 mm / 7.02 g), 235-200 BC.,
Obv.: Bare head of Hercules right.
Rev.: [B]AΣIΛEΩS above, EYΘYΔHMOY below, horse prancing right.
Sear GC 7523 ; Mitchiner, Indogreek 87 ; Bopearachchi Série 17A ; SNG ANS 146ff ; BMC India 8, 6 .

my ancient coin database
Arminius
Baktria.jpg
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.90 g, 12h).BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.90 g, 12h). Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear / The Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6T; HGC 12, 131. Light porosity, a few marks, flan crack. Good VF.2 commentsMark R1
Screenshot_2016-02-09_13_01_29.png
Baktrian Empire, Baktrian Kings: Apollodotos II, AR Drachm.Baktria 80-65 B.C. 1.65g - 19mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHΡOΣ KAI ΦIΛOΠATOΡOΣ AΠOΛΛOΔOTOΥ - Diademed & draped bust right.

Rev: Maharajasa Tratarasa Apaladatasa in Karosthi around Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt in right hand, aegis draped over extended left arm; monogram to lower left.

Ref: Mitch. 424a; Sear 7672. ss-vz.
Provenances: Ex Derek Glover. Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2015-10-01_20_43_34.png
Baktrian Empire, Baktrian Kings: Menander I Soter, AR Drachm.Baktria 160-145 B.C. 2.39g - 16mm, Axis 6h.

Obv: ΒAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΟΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ - Diademed & draped bust right.

Rev: Kharosthi legend MAHARAJASA TRATARASA MENANDRASA around Athena Alkidemos, viewed from behind, standing left, brandishing thunderbolt in raised right hand & holding shield on extended left arm, AY monogram in right field.

Ref: SNG ANS 774-8; Bopearachchi Série 13B.
Provenance: Ex Derek Glover. Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Baktria_Agathokles_Pedigree_Tet_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles I, ca. 185-170 BC, AR Tetradrachm EYΘYΔHMOY ΘEOY (Euthydemos God) Diademed head of Euthydemos right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕYONTOΣ AΓAΘOKΛEOYΣ ΔIKAIOY (of King Agathokles the Just) Herakles seated on rock, holding club set on rocks; ΦΩΛ monogram lower right field.

Bopearachchi 16B; SNG ANS 261, Mitchiner 145; HGC 12, 87.
This coin referenced in Frank L. Holt Lost World of the Golden King: In Search of Ancient Afghanistan p.203 and Chapter 8 end note 75.

(31 mm, 16.67 g, 12h).

Agathokles and Antimachos issued “pedigree” tetradrachms in the later years of the struggle for regency with Eukratides. Such coins sought to assert the legitimacy of the incumbent Euthydemid rulers through association with forbears and even unrelated predecessors back to Alexander.

An iron pin pierces this coin accompanied by the remains of an iron suspension loop that has been incompletely removed. This is the remains of an attachment placed in a manner to avoid defacing the image of Euthydemos. The careful attachment of this coin for its use as an item of display may have been an overt statement of loyalty to the Euthydemid line during the struggle with Eukratides.
n.igma
Bactria,_Agathokles_AE_19mm_Square__Unit_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles I, ca. 185-170 BC, Æ Square Unit Female Hindu deity Laksmi advancing left holding lotus, Rajane Agathukleyasa in Kharoshthi script.
BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΓAΘOKΛEOYΣ Lioness standing right, Greek inscription above and below.

SNG ANS 9, 246; Mitchiner 152; HGC 12, 98; Sear GCV 7558.

(18 x 19.5 mm, 11.6 g, 12h).
Ancient Imports.

This and the following Æ Square Unit of Pantaleon are amongst the first of the bilingual coins issued by the Graeco-Bactrian rulers south of the Hindu Kush.
n.igma
Bactria,_Antimchus_I_AR_drachm_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I, ca. 175-165 BC, AR DrachmDiademed head of Antimachos right wearing kausia.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΘEOY ANTIMAXOY (of King Antimachos a God) Poseidon standing facing, holding trident and palm branch, KP monogram in lower right field.

Bopearachchi Series 2A; SNG ANS 9, 279; Mitchiner 124b; HGC 12; 109; Sear GCV 7545.

(19 mm, 4.2 g, 12h).
Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Auction 13, Aug. 2006, 278; from the F. Martin Post Collection.
1 commentsn.igma
Antimachosdrachm.JPG
Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos, AR DrachmKaroshi legend around king on horseback.
BASILEWS NIKHFOROU ANTIMACOU
Nike advancing left with wreath and palm, mongram in left field.
SG 7546, 171-160 BC.
Early bilingual coin, with different languages on obverse and reverse.

whitetd49
Bactria,_Apollodotos_AE_Unit_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Apollodotos I, ca. 175-165 BC Æ Quadruple UnitΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΠΟΛΛΟΔΟΤΟY ΣΩΤHPOΣ (of King Apollodotos Savior) Apollo standing facing holding bow and arrow.
Tripod on stand in dotted square border outside which Maharajas Apaladasta Iradasa (of King Apollodotos Savior) in Kharoshthi script (reverse image in photo above is inverted).

Mitchiner 209a; Bopearachchi 6A; SNG ANS 9, 346; HGC 12, 41; Sear GCV 7594.

(22 x 21 mm, 12h).
CNG e-Auction 162, 11 Apr. 2007, 134.

Apollodotos was a contemporary of the later Euthydemid rulers, Agathokles, Pantaleon and Antimachos. His Greek coinage is rare with only less than a dozen portrait tetradrachm specimens known. Almost all of his coinage adhered to south Indian traditions, with bi-lingual Greek and Kharoshthi legends and non-portrait types struck on square flans, either elephant and bull on his silver, or Apollo and tripod on the bronze. From this coinage, which comprises the only evidence for his reign, it appears that Apollodotos administered his territories south of the Hindu Kush. The imagery on Apollodotos’ coins breaks with the tradition of the Euthydemid dynasty, portraying seated Athena on the tetradrachms (in the style of the reverse of Lysimachos coinage) and a standing Apollo on AE issues, reminiscent of the Seleukid coinage. Eukratides may have retained him as a provincial ruler through the struggle for power.
1 commentsn.igma
Baktria,_Demetriso_I,_AE_Double_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I, ca. 200-185 BC, Æ Dichalkon Draped bust of Herakles right, wearing oak wreath, with club over shoulder.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY Artemis, radiate, standing facing, holding bow and drawing arrow from quiver; monogram to inner right.

Bopearachchi 4C; SNG ANS 9, 204; HGC 12, 68; Sear GCV 7534.

(24 mm, 7.24 g, 12h).
CNG eAuction 337, 22 Oct. 2014, 169.
n.igma
Holt_A6_no__46_28this_coin29.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos I & II coregency, ca. 250-235 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of Diodotos r.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY Zeus striding l., hurling thunderbolt in r. hand, aegis over extended l. arm, eagle at feet, monogram above eagle.

Holt A6, #46 (this coin); SC 631.1a.
Mint A (Ai Khanoum).

(26 mm, 16.27 g, 6h).

Harlan J. Berk Buy or Bid 218 (2022), lot 95; Frank Kovacs Mail Bid Sale XIV (1998), lot 80.
n.igma
Bactria,_Diodotos_I_Tetradrachm_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos I, ca. 255/250-240 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of the Diodotos I right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY (of King Antiochos). Zeus striding left, hurling thunderbolt in right hand, aegis over extended left arm; eagle standing in lower inner left, monogram in left field above eagle.

SC 628 (b); Holt A2 (Holt A2 example 2 = this coin); Bopearachchi 2E; Mitchiner 64c; Kritt, Dynastic Transitions Type A2 (Plate 1, page 19); HGC 9, 243. Mint “A”- Ai Khanoum ca. 255-250 BC.

(29 mm, 16.92 g, 6h).
Eukratides Ancient Numismatics: ex- William K. Raymond Collection; ex- Kovacs (1997)

The Kingdom of Baktria was created from the Seleukid province of Bactro-Sogdiana when the satrap Diodotos I began to act independently of the Seleukid king, Antiochos II around 256 BC. The first step towards independence came with the issue of coinage depicting Diodotos I, rather than the Seleukid king, Antiochos II. On their reverse the coins bear the image of a striding Zeus, rather than the Seleukid patron god Apollo. Yet the coinage maintains the legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY indicating nominal servitude to the Seleukid king. This legend remained unchanged despite the accession to the throne of Seleukos III in 246 BC. In effect, this denies any allegiance to the latter king, while at the same time attesting to the legitimacy of Diodotos’ claim to the throne via his initial appointment under Antiochos II. Following the death of Diodotos I around 240 BC his son, Diodotos II, adopted the title of king, altering the legend of the coinage to that of ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔIOΔITOY, an unequivocal statement of independence.
1 commentsn.igma
Bactria,_Diodotos_I_posthumous_issue_Tetradrachm_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos II, ca. 240-230 BC, AR Tetradrachm Posthumous diademed idealised head of Diodotos I right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔIOΔITOY (of King Diodotos). Zeus striding left, hurling thunderbolt in right hand, aegis over extended left arm; eagle standing at his feet.

Holt B2 (Holt B2 example 3 = this coin); Kritt B2; Bopearachchi 6A; SNG ANS 9, 87; Qunduz 8; HGC 12, 21. Struck ca. 230 BC at Mint "B" - Baktra.

(25 mm, 16.42 g, 6h).
CNG 778209; ex -CNG e-Auction 124, October 2005, 139 (incorrectly attributed as Holt B1); ex- Munz und Medaillen Fixed Price List 332 (1972).

The coin was struck shortly before Euthydemos overthrew Diodotos II. The idealised posthumous image of Diodotos I on the obverse was a statement of the legitimacy of the right of Diodotos II to the throne of Baktria, as the lineal successor to Diodotos I. This B2 issue is distinguished from the preceding B1 type by the absence of a wreath beneath the extended arm of Zeus on the reverse. Holt suggested that the removal of the wreath from coinage followed Diodotos II’s treaty with the Parthians. The wreath is believed to have been instituted as a celebration of Diodotos I victory over Arsaces in the previous decade and thus potentially perceived as an insult to the Parthians on consummation of the treaty.
n.igma
Bactria,_Diodotos_II_AE_Double_Uni.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos II, ca. 240-230 BC, Æ Double UnitHead of Hermes right, wearing petasos.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔIOΔITOY (of King Diodotos). Athena facing, spear in right hand, shield in left.

HGC 12, 25; Bopearachchi Serie 12A; SNG ANS 9, 102; Mitchiner 79a; Holt H1; Kritt H1; Sear 7505. Ai Khanoum mint.

(20 mm, 7.12 g, 6h).
CNG eAuction 158, 14 Feb. 2007, 63.
n.igma
Bactria,_Diodotos_II,_AE_22_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos II, ca. 240-230 BC, Æ Double Unit Laureate head of Zeus right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔIOΔITOY Artemis right holding transverse torch; star to right.

HGC 12, 27; SNG ANS 9, 96; Mitchiner 82; Holt Ι2; Kritt Ι2; Sear GCV 7504 var. (hound at Artemis feet). Ai Khanoum mint.

(22 mm, 9.6 g, 6h).
Sayles & Lavender.

Artemis depicted on the reverse of this coin was the twin sister of Apollo and goddess of the Moon. A huntress with legendary skills in archery, she brought fertility to the land and special protection to women in childbirth. The historian Frank Holt wrote ‘A better patron goddess for a city such as Ai Khanoum could not have been found. It may only be coincidence, but the choice of Artemis as one female type for this city has a faint echo down through the ages. The ancient Greek name of the polis has vanished from history, but its current appellation derives from Turko-Uzbek and means “Lady Moon”. Local legends offer several explanations and identify various important women as the eponymous hero of the site. For example, local village women still bring votive offerings to a “Lady Moon”, protector of mothers and infants. Another “Lady Moon” was associated with irrigation canals and yet another with control over the rivers that flowed by the walls of the city. Such “modern” folktales reverberate with ancient echoes of Artemis/Anahita, goddess of the moon, mistress of the fertilizing waters, and guardian of women in childbirth.’
n.igma
Bactria,_Eukratides_I_Pedigree_Tetradrachm.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I, ca. 171-145 BC, AR Tetradrachm ΒΑΣΙΛΕYΣ MEΓAΣ EYKPATIΔHΣ Diademed and draped bust of a mature Eukratides right, wearing a crested helmet decorated with ear and horn of a bull.
HΛIOKΛIOΣ KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ Co-joined busts facing right of Eukratides parents, Heliokles and Laodike, ΦΛΩ monogram to left.

Bopearachchi Series 15 A; SNG ANS 526-527; Mitchiner 182a; Qunduz 245-246; HGC 12, 133; Sear 7572.

(30 mm, 16.16 g, 12h).

Gorny & Mosch Giessener Munzhandlung Auction 126, October 2003, 1534.
The distinctive reddish black remnant patina of this coin is a characteristic of the silver coins from the Mir Zakah deposit. It is probably from this, the largest hoard of coins ever found, that the coin is derived.

This issue may have been inspired by the earlier “pedigree” coinage of Agathokles and Pantaleon, but equally likely given the many apparent anomalies associated with the issue, is that it was issued by the parents of Eukratides as statement of their position and prestige in Baktrian society. Heliokles’ bare head indicates that he was not a king, whereas the diadem on Laodike’s head suggests that she was of royal blood. Tarn identified her as a Seleukid princess, daughter of Seleukos II and sister of Antiochus III. On the other hand, Hollis in Laodike Mother of Eucratides of Baktria makes a plausible case that Laodike was the daughter of Antiochos III. Hollis argues that Eukratides was in this way connected to the Seleukid royal family and was perhaps facilitated by the latter in his endeavor to seize the Baktrian throne.

This coinage has a number of curious characteristics. The legend on this coin names Eukratides is in the nominative case, so that it serves to label his portrait rather than to identify him as the issuing authority of the coinage. The legend naming his parents, on the other hand, is in the genitive, normally used to indicate a filial relationship an argument supported by Hollis. However, it could also imply that Heliokles and Laodike had authorized the coinage. Both sides of the coin have defined filleted borders, unique in the coinage of Eukratides. All other issues bear only an obverse border around the image of the king. The fabric of these coins indicates that Heliokles and Laodike occupy the obverse, anvil struck side of the coin. Nevertheless, they are most frequently described in the opposite manner, in accord with the convention that the ruler occupies the obverse side of the coin.
1 commentsn.igma
73000535.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I, ca. 171-145 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed bust of a youthful Eukratides right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYKPATIΔOY (of King Eukratides) Dioskouroi on horseback charging right, carrying spears and palm branches, PK monogram to lower right.

Bopearachchi Series1B; SNG ANS 9, 431; Mitchiner 168(f); Qunduz 108-114; HGC 12, 130; Sear GCV 7568.

(32 mm, 16.75 g, 12h).
From LWHT Col.; CNG 73, 13 Sep. 2006, 535.

Eukratides I came to power in a revolt against the Euthydemid dynasty commencing around 171 BC and continuing for a decade. He extended his dominion to include all of Baktria and its realms both north and south of the Hindu Kush. Around 145 BC, Eukratides was murdered by his one of his own sons, probably Plato. By this time Baktria was weakened by the protracted struggle for power. The demise of Eukratides provided a catalyst for Scythian nomads to cross the Oxus, eventually to overrun Baktria. The city of Ai Khanoum appears to have been amongst the first to fall to invaders. This is evidenced by the fact that no coins later than those of Eukratides have been found in the excavations at Ai Khanoum. Within a decade Baktria had fragmented, overrun by Scythian nomads from the north, with the possible exception of a small Greek enclave in the eastern foothills of the Hindu Kush and the associated valley passes that led to the south and the Kabul Valley. A small remnant Greek civilization remained for another century to the south of the Hindu Kush before being overrun.
2 commentsn.igma
Baktria,_Eukratides_I_Tetradrachm.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I, ca. 171-145 BC, AR TetradrachmDiademed and draped bust of a mature Eukratides right, wearing a crested helmet decorated with ear and horn of a bull.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ MEΓAΛOY EYKPATIΔOY (of King Eukratides the Great) Dioskouroi on horseback charging right, carrying spears and palm branches, ΦΛΩ monogram beneath hooves right.

Bopearachchi Series. 6 O; SNG ANS 9, 467; Mitchiner 177a; Qunduz 135-136; HGC 12, 131; Sear GCV 7570 var. (monogram).

(32 mm, 15.81 g, 12h).
HJB 151, Nov. 2006, 221; ex- Coin Galleries 21 Nov. 1974, 371.

The epithet MEΓAΛOY (Great) indicates that this coin was struck at the apogee of Eukratides power, following the complete conquest of the Baktria.
n.igma
282.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides II, ca. 145-140 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed bust of Eukratides II r.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ EYKPATIΔOY Apollo standing l., arrow in his r. hand, in l. hand a bow resting on ground, monogram inner l. field.

Bopearachchi Series 3B; Mitchiner 173a (attributed to Eukratides I); SNG ANS 9, 625 (same dies); HGC 12, 162.

(31 mm, 16.62 g, 12h).

Harlan J. Berk Buy or Bid Sale 164 (Apr. 2009), Lot 251.
1 commentsn.igma
Bactria,_Euthydemos_I_Tetradrachm_old_portrait.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 230-200 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of an elderly Euthydemos right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles seated left on rock, resting club on thigh, PK monogram in inner right field.

SNG ANS 9, 141-142; Kritt B17; Mitchiner 94a; Qunduz 19-20; HGC 12, 43; Sear GCV 7516.
Mint “B” – Baktra ca. 206-200 BC.

(26 mm, 15.92 g, 12h).
Realms Ancient Coins; ex- CNG.

The coinage portraits of Euthydemos range from youthful to elderly, reflecting the thirty year duration of his reign, which is inferred to have ended as early as 200 BC by recent workers (Kritt), or as late as 190 BC by earlier workers (Mitchiner). This portrayal probably represents the king in his sixties or seventies, after the invasion of Baktria by Antiochos III. The late life portrayal of Euthydemos is considered to be amongst the finest Hellenistic numismatic art. It shows a world weary, perhaps dissolute figure, for who the exercise of power has become as much a burden as a benefit. The Euthydemos series extending from youth to late life is almost unique in it’s true to life representation of the physical process of aging; the vitality and optimism of youth gradually replaced by the weariness of age, all captured in the progression of the portraits of Euthydemos.
1 commentsn.igma
Bactria,_Euthydemos_I_Tetradrachm_-_mature_portrait.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 230-200 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of the mature Euthydemos right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY (of King Euthydemos). Herakles seated left on rock, resting club on pile of rocks, monogram in inner right field. Die shift in lower field with some minor scratches.

Bopearachchi Series 5B; SNG ANS 9, 131; Kritt A14; Mitchiner 85c; Qunduz12-14; HGC 12, 40; Sear 7514.
Mint “A” - Ai Khanoum ca. 215-208 BC.

(29 mm, 16.96 g, 12h).
Pars Coins.

This depiction of Euthydemos on the obverse of this coin has a portrait quality. It probably closely approximates the features of the ruler in middle age.
n.igma
Bactria,_Euthydemos_I_Tetradrachm_-_youthful_portrait.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 230-200 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of a relatively youthful Euthydemos right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles seated left on rock, resting club on pile of rocks, monogram in inner right field, letter A in exergue.

Bopearachchi Series 5C; SNG ANS 9, 137 (same reverse die); Kritt, A8; HGC 12, 40.
Mint “A” - Ai Khanoum ca. 225-220/215 BC.

(29 mm, 16.7 g, 12h).
CNG 782054; ex- Semon Lipcer Coll.; ex- CNG 63, May 2003, 923.
1 commentsn.igma
Bactria,_Euthydemos_1_Tetradrachm_-_youthful_portrait.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 230-200 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed youthful head right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY (of King Euthydemos). Herakles seated left on rocks, holding club set on rocks; monogram lower right field.

Kritt A1; Bopearachchi 5B; SNG ANS 9,125; HGC 12, 40; Mitchiner 85c; Qunduz 10-11.
Mint “A” - Ai Khanoum ca. 230 BC.

(28 mm, 16.38 g, 6h).
CNG eAuction 170, 8 Aug. 2007, 138.

Euthydemos I overthrew Diodotos II around 230 BC. This coin is amongst the first issued by Euthydemos. The inverted die axes convention with which it was struck is a characteristic of Mint “A” (Ai Khanoum) in the preceding Diodotid era. This was changed to parallel die axes convention in the early years of the reign of Euthydemos. Late in Euthydemos reign, Antiochos III the Great, sought to reimpose Seleukid authority over Baktria. Euthydemos withstood a two year siege by Antiochos at the fortress city of Baktra in 208-206 BC at the conclusion of which Antiochos was forced to recognize an independent Baktria. Demetrios, the son of Euthydemos, succeeded the latter around 200 BC and extended the kingdom south into the Kabul Valley and northwest Pakistan. However, the Euthydemid dynasty was destroyed by Eukratides I who progressively deposed the successors of Demetrios I.

The reverse image of a “weary Herakles” on the Euthydemos series of tetradrachms is noteworthy for its antecedents in the Lydian issues of Antiochus II. The ancient historian Polybius noted that Euthydemos came from Magnesia. However, which of three possible cities or regions called Magnesia remains uncertain. Based on the similarity of the reverse image of Euthydemos’ silver coins with those of the Lydian types, it is inferred that he may have come from Magnesia ad Sipylum in Lydia where he could have been exposed to the” weary Herakles” issues prior to his migration to Baktria. Such being the case, Euthydemos could not have been born much later than 270 BC, in which case he would have been in his seventies at the time of his death. The aged portrait on the last of his coinage tends to confirm this inference.
n.igma
Bactria,_Euthydemos_I,_AE_Dichalkon_.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 230-200 BC, Æ Dichalkon Head of Heracles right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY above and below horse prancing right.

SNG ANS 9, 146-165; Kritt AK-1; Mitchiner 87; HGC 12, 53.
Ai Khanoum 225-208/6 BC.

(24 mm, ca. 8 g, 6h).

The fabric of this coin, characterized by its thick flan and beveled obverse edge, plus the 6 o’clock die axis, indicate that it is a product of the mint at Ai Khanoum. This coin type was the most abundant in the Ai Khanoum excavations with 48 examples recorded. The issue preceded the invasion of Baktria and the capture of Ai Khanoum by Antiochos III in 208-206 BC. Subsequent Euthydemid bronze coinage was restricted to the mint at Baktra/Balkh, typified by a coin fabric consisting of a thin flan.
1 commentsn.igma
Bactria,_Pantaleon_AE.jpg
Baktrian Kingdom, Pantaleon I, ca. 185-180 BC, Æ Square Unit Female Hindu deity Laksmi advancing left holding lotus, Rajane Patalevasa in Kharoshthi script.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠANTAΛEONT[OYΣ] Lioness standing right

SNG ANS 9, 265; Mitchiner 161; HGC 12, 105; Sear GCV 7564. Pushkalavati mint.

(22 x19 mm, 11.25 g, 12h).
Numismatic Fine Arts Dec. 1982, 254; ex-Superior Jun. 1978, 2387; ex- Bolender, Oct. 1946.

Pantaleon is inferred to have been a brother of Euthydemos II and Agathokles. Based on the numismatic evidence, he appears to have reigned for a brief period in co-regency with his other brother Agathokles and possibly his uncle Antimachos, following the death of Euthydemos II. His coinage is the rarest of the of the Euthydemid rulers, suggesting that he was quickly dispatched by the usurper Eukratides.
1 commentsn.igma
Bactrian_Antialkidas_GCV_7633.JPG
Baktrian Kingdom: Antialkidas, 145 - 135 BCObv: Draped bust of Zeus facing right, thunderbolt over his left shoulder; BAΣIΛEΩΣ behind, NIKHΦOPOY above, ANTIAΛKIΔOY before.

Rev: Two palm branches between the caps of the Dioscuri; Karosthi legend around, monogram beneath, Σ in lower field.

Square Æ 18, Unknown mint, c. 145 - 135 BC

8.46 grams, 18.32 mm, 0°

GCV 7633, SNG ANS 1119-27
Matt Inglima
Baktrian_Menander_I_GCV_7603.JPG
Baktrian Kingdom: Menander I Soter, 160 - 145 BCObv: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ MENANΔPOY, draped bust of Menander I, wearing a crested helmet, facing right.

Rev: Karosthi legend around, Athena Alkidemos advancing left brandishing a thunderbolt and holding a shieild, monogram in field to right.

Silver Drachm, c. 155 - 130 BC

2.47 grams, 17 mm, 0°

GCV 7603, SNG ANS 855-65
Matt Inglima
Baktrian_Menander_I_GCV_7602.JPG
Baktrian Kingdom: Menander I Soter, 160 - 145 BCObv: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ MENANΔPOY, heroic bust of Menander I, viewed from behind, head turned left, wearing diadem and aegis, and thrusting a spear with his right hand.

Rev: Karosthi legend around, Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing a thunderbolt and holding a shield, monogram in field to right.

Silver Drachm, c. 155 - 130 BC

2.43 grams, 18 mm, 0°

GCV 7602, SNG ANS 739-44
Matt Inglima
Eukratides_Silver_coin.jpg
BAKTRIAN KINGS, Eukratides I. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Obol. BAKTRIAN KINGS, Eukratides I. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Obol (0.64 gm; 10 mm). Diademed, helmeted and draped bust right / Piloi of the Dioskouri, each surmounted by star and accompanied by palm; monogram below. Bopearachchi Serie 9C; SNG ANS 496. Well struck on a good metal. Antonivs Protti
Baktrian_cameo.jpg
Baktrian red glass cameo with bust of Euthydemos IIBaktrian
Red glass cameo
c. 185-180 BC
Diademed, draped bust of Euthydemos II
For bust, cf. Bopearachchi Série 1
2 commentsArdatirion
Graeco-Baktrian_Kings,_Demetrious_I_Aniketos,_Silver_Tetradrachm,_16_93g_35_mm.jpg
Demetrious Tetradrachmmitresh
EB0154b_scaled.JPG
EB0154 Menander / AthenaMenander, 160-145 BC, BAKTRIAN KINGDOM, AR Drachm, Taxila mint.
Obverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΔΡϒ, diademed and draped bust right.
Reverse: Karosthi legend, Athena Promachos advancing left, bearing shield and thunderbolt. HA monogram in right field.
References: SG 7600, MIG 215.
Diameter: 17mm, Weight: 2.196g.
EB
EB0155_scaled.JPG
EB0155 Menander / AthenaMenander 166 - 145 BC, Drachm of Baktrian Kingdom, Taxila mint.
Obv: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ MENANΔPOY, Diadiamed bust facing right.
Rev: Athena Promachos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; legend around, HA monogram.
References: SG. 7600; BMC 3; Whitehead 407
Diameter: 19mm, Weight: 2.42 grams
Note: this coin was already in the EB gallery, but now with improved color balance.
EB
Eukratides_I.jpg
Eukratides IBAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, about 16.78 g, 12h). Attic standard. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horseback rearing right, each holding palm frond and spear; monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 6E; SNG ANS 465. Ch VF, porous in areas. CNG auction
From The Sam Mansourati collection./ EX CNG
Photo and Description , courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
2 commentsSam
Eukratides_I_Megas_1D.jpg
Eukratides I Megas TetradrachmGreco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 168a; SNG ANS 432; HGC 12, 130. 16.82g, 33mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine.

From the Neil Collection.
Eukratides_I_Megas_6W.jpg
Eukratides I Megas TetradrachmGreco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in right field. Bopearachchi 6W; Mitchiner 177f; SNG ANS 469-71; HGC 12, 131. 16.81g, 32mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine.

From a private UK collection.
Eukratides_II_Soter_1I.jpg
Eukratides II Soter TetradrachmGreco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides II Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-140 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right; all within bead-and-reel border / Apollo standing facing, head to left, holding arrow in right hand and grounded bow with left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYKPATIΔOY and monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1I; Mitchiner 164l; SNG ANS 623; HGC 12, 161. 16.77g, 32mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine.

From the Neil Collection.
Graeco-Baktrian_Kings,_Eukratides_I,_Silver_Tetradrachm,_34_mm,_16_89g.jpg
Eukratides Tetradrachmmitresh
Euthydemos_I_Theos_11A.jpg
Euthydemos I TetradrachmGreco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum), circa 206-200 BC. Diademed head to right, with elderly features / Herakles seated to left on rocky outcropping, holding club set on rocks; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Glenn, Group III; Kritt A17; cf. Bopearachchi 11A (for monogram but on an oktadrachm) and 12 (for type, but monogram unlisted); SNG ANS -; cf. HGC 12, 40. 15.18g, 28mm, 12h.

Very Fine; somewhat corroded.

From the Neil Collection.
Euthydemos_I_9A.jpg
Euthydemos I TetradrachmBAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I, circa 225-200 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 16.55 g, 12 h), mint B (Baktra?). Diademed head of Euthydemos I to right. Rev. BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ - EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles seated left on rock, placing his right hand on club set his right leg and leaning left on rocky seat; behind, monogram of PK. Bopearachchi 9A. HGC 12, 42. Harshly cleaned, otherwise, good very fine.
Euthydemos_II_NI_double_unit,_185-180_BC.jpg
Euthydemos II NI double unit, 1850-180 BCBAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC.
NI Double Unit (22mm, 7.37 g, 11h).
Laureate head of Apollo right
BAΣIΛEΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY
Tripod; monogram to inner left.
Bopearachchi Série 6B; SNG ANS 224.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group E217, lot 203
Ardatirion
Baktria,_Sophytes_Hemidrachm~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktria, Sophytes, 305-295 BC, AR Hemidrachm - Nicolet-Pierre and Amandry, RN (1994), 62 (this coin)Helmeted head of Athena right.
Eagle standing left, head right, grape bunch and leaf on vine above.
Nicolet-Pierre and Amandry, RN (1994), 62 (this coin); SNG ANS 17-18.
(11 mm, 1.60 g, 6h)
Jean Elsen et Ses Fils (January 2010); ex Gorny 148 (1990) Lot 614; ex-1990 Afghanistan Commerce Hoard

This coin was one of a group of sixty five pseudo-Athenian Baktrian coins that came to market in Paris in 1990, documented by Nicolet-Pierre and Amandry in Un Nouveau Tresor de Monnaies D’argent Pseudo-Atheniennes Venu D’Afghanistan (1990). The 1990 Afghanistan Commerce Hoard increased by at least three fold the number of known examples of this coinage. Together with the associated discoveries of attic weight Sophytes issues, this proved decisive in linking the anepigraphic pseudo-Athenian issues to the later epigraphic issues of Sophytes. This coin is number 62 of the catalogue of Nicolet-Pierre and Amandry. It is amongst the finest hemidrachms of the eagle series known.
1 comments
Baktrian_Kingdom,_Agathokles_I,_Drachm_~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles I, ca. 175-165 BC, AR Drachm - Bopearachchi Series 2BDiademed head of Agathokles right. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΓAΘOKΛEOYΣ Zeus standing facing holding sceptre and figure of Hekate bearing two torches; ΦΛΩ monogram in lower left field
Bopearachchi Series 2B; Mitchiner 138a; MACW 1680-1681; Sear 7555.
(21 mm, 4.2 g, 12h)
ex-CNG Triton IX (9 January 2006) Lot 1117.
2 comments
Bactria,_Antimachos_I_AR_Tetradrachm~1.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I, ca. 175-170 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Bopearachchi Series 1EDiademed head of Antimachos right wearing kausia. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΘE[OY] ANTIMAXOY Poseidon standing facing, holding trident and palm branch, HA monogram in inner right field.
Bopearachchi Series 1E; SNG ANS 278 (monogram variant); Mitchiner 124a; Sear 7542.
(32 mm, 17.14 g, 12h)
Provenance, based on Bopearachchi: Freeman & Sear FPL 11, Spring/Summer 2006; ex- Muhammad Riaz Barber Coll.; ex- Peshawar bazaar (April 1996); ex-Kuliab Hoard (1996)

The Kuliab Hoard from which this coin derives was found in clandestine (1995/6) excavations on an ancient site in the vicinity of Kuliab, Tajikistan, 8-10 km from Qizil Mazar, in the valley of the Qizil Su, on the right bank of the Oxus. The inferred find site is located about 80 km northeast of the famed ancient site Ai Khanoum on the left bank of the Oxus, a key Greco-Bactrian foundation.

The hoard reputedly consisted of 800 coins of which 250 were described by Bopearachchi in his paper. The hoard, consisted dominantly of small denomination silver and contained coins from the time of Seleukos I down to the time of Eukratides I. Almost all the coins were of Bactrian origin. It appears to have been a savings hoard that was closed around 145 BC, probably co-incident with the invasion of nomadic peoples from the north.

The Kuliab Hoard represents one of the easternmost finds of Graeco-Bactrian coins, proof that Bactrian influence extended well into the western Himalayan Valleys of Tajikistan to the north northeast of Ai Khanoum.


Probably my finest tetradrachm - the male equivalent Mona Lisa of coinage!
11 comments
Baktria,_Demetrios_I_AE_Trichalkon~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I, ca. 195-175 BC AE Trichalkon - Bopearachchi Series 5EElephant head right, bell around neck / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY Caduceus, ΦΛΩ monogram to inner left
Bopearachchi Series 5E; SNG ANS 209-11; Mitchiner 108b; Sear 7533.
(25 mm, 12.28 g, 12h)
2 comments
Bactria,_Demetrios_I_Tetradrachm_~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I, ca. 195-175 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Bopearachchi Series 1CDiademed and draped bust of Demetrios right, wearing elephant skin head dress. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY (of King Demetrios). Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; PK monogram to inner left
Bopearachchi Series 1C; SNG ANS 187; Mitchiner 103d; Qunduz 28-33; Sear 7526.
(33 mm,16.68 g, 12h)
ex-CNG

At 33mm diameter this is a big coin, for an undoubtedly big man, despite him scoring only two sentences of mention in the surviving ancient written historical record.
16 comments
Graeco-Baktrian_Kings,_Demetrious_I_Aniketos,_Silver_Tetradrachm,_16_93g_35_mm~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrious I Aniketos - TetradrachmObv: Within a circular dotted border, Diademed and draped bust of Demetrios right, wearing elephant skin head dress.

Rev: Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; PK monogram to inner left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY (of King Demetrios) written in Greek on either side.

Bopearachchi Series 1C; SNG ANS 187; Mitchiner 103d; Qunduz 28-33; Sear 7526.


At 35mm and weighing nearly 17g, this specimen is one of the best extant examples with a huge flan size complete with dotted border.
4 commentsmitresh
greek60.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm(171-145 BC)
Obv.: Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear.
Rev.: Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, holding palm fronds and spears; monogram in lower left field.
Bopearachchi 6W var. (monogram to right); SNG ANS 469-471 var. (monogram to right).
3 commentsMinos
Graeco-Baktrian_Kings,_Eukratides_I,_Silver_Tetradrachm,_34_mm,_16_89g~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides Megas - TetradrachmObv: Within a circular bead-and-reel border, Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear.

Rev: Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, holding palm fronds and spears; monogram in lower right field, Greek semi-circular legend on top "BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY" and at bottom "EYKPATIΔOY" meaning '(of) Great King Eucratides'.

Bopearachchi 6W, SNG ANS 469-471

The helmeted Eucratides tetradrachm is one of the most popular and sought-after coins of the Bactrian series. Certainly it boasts one of the best Hellenistic portrait of all times. Eukratides also minted the largest known Gold Coin of Antiquity, a massive 20 Stater coin weighing 169.2g with a huge flan size of 58mm. Perhaps it was a commemorative victory medal to celebrate Eucratides's conquest of "India," presumably some land south of the Hindu Kush, perhaps Gandhara.
4 commentsmitresh
Bactria,_Euthydemos_I_Tetradrachm~1.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 225-200/190 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Bopearachchi Series 10 AStylised diademed head of mature Euthydemos right. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles seated left on rock, resting club on knee, PK monogram in inner right field.
Bopearachchi Series 10 A; SNG ANS 138; Kritt B14; Mitchiner 94a; Qunduz 15-18. Baktra/Balkh mint ca. 210-206 BC.
(26 mm, 16.57 g, 12h)

The portrait on this coin is a stylized version of the mature portrait of the king, in which Euthydemos is made to appear more youthful and stronger than the realistic representation on preceding coins. This stylization appears to have been a propaganda response to the challenge posed by the invasion of Baktria by a more youthful Antiochos III in 208-206 BC. This portrayal of the king contrasts starkly with the elderly image that emerged on coinage in the years following the invasion by Antiochos III.
1 comments
Bactria,_Euthydemos_II_AR_Tetradrachm~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II, ca. 175-170 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Bopearachchi Series 1CDiademed and draped bust right. / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles standing facing, holding oak wreath, club and lion’s skin; PK monogram to inner left.
Bopearachchi Series 1C; SNG ANS 216; Mitchiner 113d; Qunduz 24-25; Sear 7536.
(32 mm, 16.32 g, 12h)
3 comments
Bactria,_Menander_I_165-130_BC_AR_Drachm_.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Menander I, ca. 165/155-130 BC, AR Drachm - Bopearachchi Serie 16EΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤHΡΟΣ MENANΔΡΟΥ Helmeted, diademed and draped bust right. / Maharajasa tratarasa Menamdrasa, (a Karoshthi legend ) Athena Alkidemos standing left, holding shield on outstretched arm, while hurling thunderbolt; to right PKA monogram.
Mitchiner 218b; Bopearachchi Serie 16E; SNG ANS 868 - 874; Sear 7601.
(19 mm, 2.46 g, 12h)
6 comments
menanderf.JPG
Greek, Baktrian Kingdom, Menander I, DrachmBaktria, Menander AR Drachm. ca 155-130 BC.
Diademed bust right / Athena left brandishing thunderbolt & holding shield; Karosthi legend around, monograms in lower fields.
1 comments
Baktria,_Diodotos_I,_AR_tetradrachm_-_Holt_A6_4_(this_coin).jpg
GREEK, Boutin, Collection Pozzi 2945 (this coin); Holt A6.4 (this coin); Kritt A6 (plate 2 A6 this coin); CSE 1294 (this coin); SNG Lockett 3109 (this coin ID: SNGuk_0300_3109); Pozzi 2945 (this coin); ESM 717α (this coin)Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos I, ca. 255/250-240 BC, AR Tetradrachm

Diademed head of Diodotos I right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY Zeus advancing left hurling thunderbolt, eagle at feet, ΙΔΤ (Iota, Delta, Sampi) monogram in inner left field.

Holt A6.4 (this coin); Kritt A6 (plate 2 A6 this coin); CSE 1294 (this coin); SNG Lockett 3109 (this coin ID: SNGuk_0300_3109); Pozzi 2945 (this coin); ESM 717α (this coin); SNG ANS 77; SC 631.a; Bopearachchi 2E; Mitchiner 64d; Qunduz 6; HGC 9, 24. Mint "A" - Ai Khanoum

(26 mm, 15.73 g, 6h).
Herakles Numismatics, July 2013; ex- Houghton Collection (CSE 1294); ex- Lockett Collection (SNGLockett 3109); ex-Pozzi Collection: Naville Sale I (1921), 2945.

This coin has a very distinguished provenance and has been published as plate coin in four reference works.
It was cleaned after the CSE 1294 image resulting in removal of surface deposits and 0.1 g lower weight than CSE, Holt and SNG Lockett listings
4 commentsn.igma
Baktria,_Diodotos_II_Tetradrachm_-_unknown_type~0.jpg
Greek, Diodotos II Tetradrachm - Unrecorded Baktrian.Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos II, ca. 235-225 BC, AR Tetradrachm
Diademed head of Diodotos II right. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔIOΔITOY (of King Diodotos). Zeus striding left, hurling thunderbolt in right hand, aegis over extended left arm; eagle standing in lower inner left, TI monogram in outer right field
The only known example of the TI mint control on the Holt F series - previously unrecorded.
Based on die matches to Holt F8.2 (obverse) and Holt F8.3 (reverse with modified controls) the coin is an immediate precursor to the Holt F8 group and thus fits between Holt’s F7 and F8 groups. Struck at Mint "B" (probably Baktra/Balkh) ca. 230-225 BC.
(26 mm, 16.3 g, 6h)
BOP-13C.jpg
Greeks, Baktrian: Archebios Dikaios Nikephoros (75-65 BC) Æ Quadruple Unit (Bopearachchi 13C; SNG ANS 1315–6)Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Zeus right, with scepter over shoulder
Rev: Palms and piloi of the Dioskouroi; monogram in exergue
Quant.Geek
Heliokles_I_Dikaios_1D.jpg
Heliokles I Dikaios TetradrachmGreco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-130 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ HΛIºKΛEºYΣ ΔIKAIºY, Zeus standing facing, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left; Δ in exergue. Bopearachchi 1D; SNG ANS 633; HGC 12, 169. 12.86g, 33mm, 12h.

Very Fine; edge chipped, some delamination. Very Rare with this control mark.

From the Neil Collection.
Heliokles_I_Dikaios_1U.jpg
Heliokles I Dikaios TetradrachmGreco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles I Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-130 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right; all within bead-and-reel border / Zeus standing facing half-left, wearing himation, holding winged thunderbolt in right hand and lotus-tipped sceptre in left; monogram in left field, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΗΛΙΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue. Bopearachchi 1U; Mitchiner 284o; SNG ANS 642-48; HGC 12, 169. 16.95g, 29mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine.

From a private UK collection.
IMG_0766.JPG
Hepthalites, Uncertain. Circa 7th century AD. AR Drachm. Countermarks of Phromo KesaroHUNNIC TRIBES, Hephthalites. Uncertain.
Circa 7th century AD.
AR Drachm (31mm, 3.48 g, 3h)
Imitating a Sasanian drachm of Hormazd IV from the Balkh mint, dated RY 11.
Countermarks of Phromo Kesaro, applied late 7th to early 8th centuries AD.
Crowned bust right; c/m: human head left
Fire altar flanked by two attendants; c/m: ΦPOPO in Baktrian.
Göbl, Dokumente -; D. Schnädelbach ONS Newsletter 169 (Spring 2001), p. 3. For c/m’s: Göbl, Dokumente KM -, 59 var
Ardatirion
IMG_0766.jpg
Hepthalites, Uncertain. Circa 7th century AD. AR Drachm. Countermarks of Phromo Kesaro Hunnic Tribes, Hephthalites. Uncertain.
Circa 7th century AD.
AR Drachm (31mm, 3.48 g, 3h)
Imitating a Sasanian drachm of Hormazd IV from the Balkh mint, dated RY 11.
Countermarks of Phromo Kesaro, applied late 7th to early 8th centuries AD.
Crowned bust right; c/m: human head left
Fire altar flanked by two attendants; c/m: ΦPOPO in Baktrian.
Göbl, Dokumente -; D. Schnädelbach ONS Newsletter 169 (Spring 2001), p. 3. For c/m’s: Göbl, Dokumente KM -, 59 var
stainless
apollodotus_i_xblkres.jpg
INDO-GREEK--APOLLODOTUS I (BAKTRIAN KING)ca 180 - 160 BC BC
AE RECTANGULAR HEMIOBOL 22.5 mm X 22.5 mm, 9.03 g
O: BAΣIΛEΩΣ / AΠOΛΛOΔOTOY / ΣΩTHPOΣ Apollo standing facing, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left
R: Kharoshthi legenaharajasa / Apaladatasa / tratarasa Tripod with monogram at right, within square dotted border
laney
hermaios_resxxx.jpg
INDO-GREEK--HERMAIOS (BAKTRIAN KING)ca. 30 B.C. - 10 B.C.
AE 24 mm; 8.42 g
O ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΕΡΜΑΙΟΥ, diademed and draped bust right, flowing diadem ties
R: Zeus seated left, right extended, scepter in left, Kharosthi monogram left, Kharosthi letter behind throne
Probably Posthumous Imitative
laney
hermai_resb.jpg
INDO-GREEK--HERMAIOS (BAKTRIAN KING)ca. 30 B.C. - 10 B.C.
AE 24 mm max; 8.83 g
O ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΕΡΜΑΙΟΥ, diademed and draped bust right, flowing diadem ties
R: Zeus seated left, right extended, scepter in left, Kharosthi monogram left, Kharosthi letter behind throne
Probably Posthumous Imitative
laney
menander_resxxx.jpg
INDO-GREEK--MENANDER I (BAKTRIAN KING)ca. 160 - 145 BC
AE 23mm sq; 11.07 g
O: Helmeted bust of Athena right
R: Nike walking right, holding wreath and palm; monogram before.
cf. Bopearachchi 32C; SNG ANS 945-54
Baktrian Kingdom
laney
BOP-17C.jpg
Indo-Greeks, Baktrian: Antialkidas (115-95 BCE) Hemiobol (Bopearachchi-17C; Hoover-263)Obv: Bust of Zeus right, thunderbolt over left shoulder, Greek legend on three sides - BAΣIΛEΩΣ / NIKHΦOPOY / ANTIAΛKIΔOY
Rev: Caps and palms of the Dioscuri, monogram at left, Kharoshthi legend on three sides: maharajasa / jayadharasa / amtialikidasa
Quant.Geek
Bopearachchi-9C.jpg
Indo-Greeks, Baktrian: Eukratides I (ca. 170-145 BCE) AR Obol (Bopearachchi-9C; SNG ANS 496)Obv: Diademed, helmeted and draped bust right
Rev: Piloi of the Dioskouri, each surmounted by star and accompanied by palm; monogram below. Greek legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ EYKPATIΔOY (of King Eucratides)
Quant.Geek
Baktrian_BOP-8A.jpg
Indo-Greeks, Baktrian: Lysias Aniketos (130-125 BC) Hemi-obol (BOP-8A; SNG-ANS 1041; MACW-1838)Obv: Bust of Herakles right, with club over shoulder
Rev: Elephant right; monogram and Σ below
Quant.Geek
Indogreeks.jpg
Indo-Greeks, Baktrian: Philoxenos (125-110 BCE) AE (Bopearachchi-10F, SNG-ANS 1207)Obv: City goddess standing left, holding cornucopiae in left hand, making gesture with outstreched right hand; monogram at left of feet; Greek legend around - BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOY / ΦIΛOΞENOY
Rev: Humped Zebu bull standing right; Σ below; Kharosthi legend around - maharajasa apadihatasa / philasinasa
Quant.Geek
Khushano-Sassanid_Hormizd_I_AE_Drachm.jpg
Kushanshah Hormizd I AE DrachmKushanshah Hormizd (Hormazd) I
AE Drachm
270 - 295 AD
Baktrian Mint
Pahlavi legend - AUHRaMaZDI MaLKA
Bearded bust right wearing lion headdress with segmented ball; crescent and two dots behind. Long ribbons flow upward from ball of hair
Pahlavi legend - BWRZ'Y NDY YZTY
Ahura-Mazda rising from altar, holding wreath and trident.
14.8mm
1.91 g
Cribb SI 19, #24 (Bactrian issues); Mitchiner ACW 1280; Gobl Kushan 1071v; Zeymal p.257, T. 30, 31 (rare)

This coin is listed on Zeno as #48442.
WindchildPunico
8FADAF5E-F4E5-4C64-95E6-5BA3341FCF6F.jpeg
Menander I DrachmAR Drachm
Size: 17mm, Weight: 2.45 grams, Die Axis: 9h

Baktria, Menander I
Circa 155 – 130 BCE

Obverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ MENAN∆POY (of saviour king Menander)
Diademed and draped bust of Menander I to right.

Reverse: The Kharoshthi script 𐨣𐨚𐨯 𐨚𐨟𐨪𐨯 𐨨𐨱𐨪𐨗𐨯ꅐ (maharajasa tratarasa menadrasa - translation as obverse)
Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt and shield held horizontally decorated with head of Gorgon. Monogram to right.

References: HGC 12 191, Bopearachchi 13B

Notes:
-Menander was one of the most famous Baktrian rulers. He was said to have raided as far east as modern day Patna. He is also reported to have converted to Buddhism according to the Buddhist text the Milinda Panha (The questions of king Milinda). It is recorded by Plutarch that upon his death his remains were shared amongst cities and 'monuments' were erected to honour these. This may be a reference to Buddhist stupas. It appears that like Alexander before him, he respected the various religions of his kingdom, and used them to gain advantage wherever possible.
-The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, thought to have been written in the mid first century CE, records the following:
"To the present day ancient drachmae are current in Barygaza (modern day Bharuch in Gujarat, India), coming from this country, bearing inscriptions in Greek letters, and the devices of those who reigned after Alexander, Apollodorus and Menander."
-Kharosthi (also known as Gandharan) was a script used in the region of modern day Afghanistan and Pakistan from about the 3rd century BCE to about the 3rd century CE. There is evidence of the script surviving as late as the 7th century CE in some outposts along the Silk Road. Interestingly, some early Chinese translations of Buddhist works indicate a Kharosthi source.
-Kharosthi is read from right to left, like for example modern Arabic. In the case of Menander, his epithets all end in 𐨯 (sa), so it is quite east to make out each word on the coin. The first letter of Menadrasa ꅐ (me) is made up of 𐨨 (m) combined with the diacritic vowel mark ' (e). This letter 'me', is quite distinctive and clearly visible directly below the monogram on my coin. Thus reading (by English convention) backwards the word me . na . dra . sa is clear. Note I was not able to find the Unicode script for Kharosthi 'me', so the symbol I have used is from 'Yi' script which was the closest approximation of The Kharosthi symbol I could find.

Ex Frank S Robinson Auction 97 lot 13, 2016
Pharsalos
Khushano-SassanidHormizdAE.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Hormizd I (270-295 AD), AE DrachmKushanshah Hormizd (Hormazd) I
AE Drachm
270 - 295 AD
Baktrian Mint
Pahlavi legend - AUHRaMaZDI MaLKA
Bearded bust right wearing lion headdress with segmented ball; crescent and two dots behind. Long ribbons flow upward from ball of hair
Pahlavi legend - BWRZ'Y NDY YZTY
Ahura-Mazda rising from altar, holding wreath and trident.
14.8mm
1.91 g
Cribb SI 19, #24 (Bactrian issues); Mitchiner ACW 1280; Gobl Kushan 1071v; Zeymal p.257, T. 30, 31 (rare)

This coin is listed on Zeno as #48442.
WindchildPunico
Bactria,_Antimachos_I_AR_Tetradrachm~0.jpg
Poseidon - ΠοσειδῶνPoseidon is portrayed on the reverse of this Baktrian tetradrachm issued by Antimachos I (ca. 175-170 BC). A uniquely curious choice for a landlocked country, although the association of Poseidon with earthquakes (which regularly shake the region of Afghanistan) may have been a determining factor in Antimachos choice of a patron god.

Poseidon (Ποσειδῶν) was the god of the sea and the earth-shaker (god of earthquakes) of Greek mythology. He was the protector of many Hellenic cities, although he lost the contest for Athens to Athena. The contest revolved around a gift of each god to the city, with the preferred one of the Athenians determining the outcome. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, whereupon a spring came into being, only its water proved salty. Athena on the other hand, offered an olive tree making the choice of the Athenians decisive. To placate Poseidon on their choice the Athenians erected a temple to him (Poseidon) at Cape Sounion to the south of Athens.


4 comments
Apamea_AE_lg.jpg
Seleukid Kingdom, Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC, Æ 21 - Apamea on the Axios Elephant standing right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY Bridled horned horse's head left, anchor beneath.

SC 35; HGC 9, 79; CSE 415; WSM 1128; SNG Spaer 50-52; SNG Copenhagen 40; Sear GCV 6850.
Apamea on the Axios Mint 300-281 BC.

(21 mm, 7.86 g, 12h).

Seleukos I established Apamea on the Axios (a tributary of the upper Orontes River) in Syria around 300 BC. Named in honour of his Baktrian wife, Apama, it was developed on the site of the former Macedonian military colony of Pella. It became the primary Seleukid military depot and arsenal. In Apamea, Seleukos maintained his 500 war elephants and more than 30,000 horses to serve the needs of his cavalry, as well as an arsenal of weaponry and facilities for the manufacture of arms. For the next five generations, Seleukid military campaigns were mounted from Apamea.

The coin type is rare, with all known find locations being located in Syria, but with no control, or design linkages to any other emission from the Seleukid Syrian mints of the time. Newell placed this coin as the sole issue of Apamea during the reign of Seleukos I. This attribution was based on the absence of any linkage to any other Syrian mints and the iconography of the coin, which he felt reflected the military role and significance of Apamea. In the obverse he saw the war elephants, which were the pride of Seleukos’ army, while in the reverse he saw a reference to the powerful Seleukid cavalry, both of which were based at Apamea.

The iconography of the coin bears a striking similarity to the tetradrachm issues of Pergamon in Seleukos name in 281 BC, following the defeat of Lysimachos in the Battle of Korupedion. This short-lived emission is unique. Newell believed that it was possibly inspired by the Apamea bronze coinage, suggesting that the latter may have been struck at the time Seleukos was assembling his forces at Apamea for the decisive encounter with Lysimachos. Some of these coins may then have accompanied his soldiers into Asia Minor, eventually to find their way with his soldiers to Pergamon, where the type served as the model for the brief silver emission celebrating Seleukos’ victory at Korupedion.
2 commentsn.igma
Seleukid_Kingdom,_Seleukos_I_312-280_BC_AE_20.jpg
Seleukid Kingdom, Seleukos I, 305-281 BC, Æ Double - Baktria, Uncertain Mint 19 (Baktra ?)Head of Dioskouros right, wearing a wreathed pilos, all within dotted border (partially visible).
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY (barely legible) Forepart of horned and bridled horse galloping right, anchor above, circled ΠYMH monogram to right.

ESM 749d var. (obverse monogram); Kritt SCB 45 variant (monogram detail); SC 269.4 var.; HGC 9, 87.
Struck 290/86-281 BC at Houghton & Lorber's Uncertain Baktrian Mint 19 probably Baktra.

(20 mm, 7.76 g, 7h).

This is one of the first Baktrian bronze coins to bear the name of the Seleukos. Twenty-one bronze coins with this iconography are known. Seventeen of these are listed in Kritt’s Seleukid Coins of Baktria catalogue, all attributed to Mint A (Baktra). Kritt noted that one similar coin (Kritt Group 7, 40) was found in the Ai Khanoum excavations. This specimen he considered to be a Mint A (Baktra ?) product, transported to Ai Khanoum in the pattern of trade of the time. Following Kritt’s reasoning, Seleucid Coins attributed this coin type to Uncertain Mint 19 (Kritt’s Mint A), perhaps Baktra, in the period 290/86-281 BC.
n.igma
SNG-ANS_TOC.pdf
SNG American Numismatic Society. Table of Contents.Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Part 1 to 9 | The Collection of the American Numismatic Society | Table of Contents (and ONLY the Table of Contents).
11,991 coins, 388 plates. See Numiswiki: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=SNG%20ANS
Collection highlight: The backbone of this collection is that of Edward T. Newell, and is rich in Southern Italian and Sicilian coinage. Part 9 has extensive Baktrian coinage.
2 commentsAnaximander
collage17.jpg
Trajan, CamelTrajan- 98-117 AD
ARABIA PETRAEA, Bostra

AR Drachm;3.25g;18-19mm

AUTOKR KAIS NER TRAIANW ARISTW SEB GERM DAK
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind

DHMRC EX UPATOS
Baktrian camel walking left
2 commentsarizonarobin
 
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