Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I. Silver Tetradrachm (16.94 g), ca. 171-145 BC. Diademed heroic bust of Eukratides I left, seen from behind, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear, brandishing spear.
Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY above, EYKPATIΔOY in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm branches and spears, on horses rearing right; behind, A; to lower right, monogram. Bopearachchi 8A; HGC 12,132. Lovely old cabinet tone. Excellent metal and absolutely superb.
Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $10,000 - UP
Eukratides I is notable as one of the very few Graeco-Baktrian and Indo-Greek kings for whom we have historical evidence outside of coins. He revolted against the reigning Demetrios II in ca. 171 BC, but soon found himself besieged by Demetrios at the head of a 60,000-strong army. According to Justin, through repeated sorties, Eukratides used his small force of 300 men to raise the siege and gain victory after four months. He then crossed the Hindu Kush, conquering parts of western India. Unfortunately, his dramatic reign came to a violent end when his son murdered him, reportedly coldly driving his chariot through his blood. The enduring popularity of Eukratides' Dioskouroi reverse type may be gauged by its continued use by several of his Indo-Greek successors, its imitation by non-Greek peoples in Sogdiana and Baktria, and its incorporation into the seal of the modern Da Afghanistan Bank (founded 1939).
Ex Roma XIX (27 March 2020), 639.
Ancient Coins
