BACTRIA. Eukratides I. 170-145 BC
BACTRIA. Eukratides I. 170-145 BC
AR Tetradrachm, 16.07g (34mm, 12h). Upper bust of warrior wearing a helmet (decorated with a horn and ear of a bull), holding a spear with his back facing and head left / Dioscuri holding spears and palm fronds; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΕ ΜΕΓΑΔΟΥ ΕΥΚΑΤΙΔΟΥ around and monogram below the forelegs of the front horse.
Pedigree: Ex The Bru Sale 1, 21.11.2012, lot 80. From a private English collection
References: Bopearachchi Series 8B. HGC 132 (Bactria). Mitchiner I, p. 94, Typ 179a (Merv)
Grade: Nicely struck with a bit of softness on the obverse. Minor insignificant marks on the obverse. Reverse is similarly struck but has some deeper scratches (one behind the back horseman, one through the front horseman and a few in the field in front). Also an area of mild corrosion between 3-4h. Nice VF+. (gk1701)
Scroll down for more information about this coin.
The style of this obverse is amongst the most striking of the Bactrian series. The historical record of Bactria is largely understood from the coinage. Most of the coins of the rulers exhibit a traditional style of a helmeted emperor showing the bust. This type is beloved with a strong, powerful warrior with his back facing the observer and wielding his spear.