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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.44 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Antiochos III of Syria. ANTIOXOY to right, NIKATOPOΣ to left, diademed head of Euthydemos right / BAΣIΛEONTOS to right, AΓAΘOKΛEOYΣ to left; DIKAIOY in exergue, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above above eagle standing left; monogram to right. Bopearachchi 13A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 164; MPHB 130 (O22/R68); SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, 87. Find patina, minor roughness, area of corrosion, a couple of small pits on reverse. VF. Very rare.
The attribution of the individual on this tetradrachm, one of the series of pedigree issues struck by Agathokles, has been the subject of much discussion. Based on his own coinage, the portrait here is that of Euthydemos I. The legend – ANTIOXOY NIKATOPOΣ – suggests one of the early Seleukid kings of that name, and attempts have been made to associate the Antiochos on this tetradrachm with Antiochos II, who is named on the issues of Diodotos I. Jens Jakobsson ("Antiochus Nicator, the Third King of Baktria?", NC 170 [2010], p. 25), while rightly arguing against Antiochos II as the person commemorated, offered no alternative. Brian Kritt, who recently has revisited the issue (New Discoveries in Bactrian Numismatics, Chapter 5), convincingly suggests Antiochos III as the mostly likely candidate. Antiochos III, whose historical epithet is Megas (the Great), conducted a vigorous series of campaigns in the East, including the subjugation of the Parthians, his victories in Bactria, including the capture of Aï Khanoum, and his subsequent campaigning in India (p. 80). Like Alexander before him (who also figures in the pedigree series), Antiochos would have been a figure worthy of emulation by Agathokles and with whom he would wish to be associated.
Closing Date and Time: 7 February 2024 at 11:30:40 ET.
All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.
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