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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Demetrios I Aniketos. Circa 200-185 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.63 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin / Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; monogram to inner left. MPHB Group I, O1/R– (unlisted rev. die); Bopearachchi 1B; SNG ANS 186; HGC 12, 63. Slight iridescence, deposits, light cleaning marks, crystallized surfaces. Near EF.
The unusual elephant headdress worn by Demetrios on this tetradrachm recalls that of Alexander the Great on his early coinage of Ptolemaic Egypt, likely referring to his conquests in northern India. Demetrios campaigned in India while serving a long apprenticeship under his father, Euthydemos I, as recorded on a dedicatory stone discovered north of Aï Khanoum in Afghanistan. After succeeding to the throne, he launched an invasion of northern India that extended Greek control into modern Pakistan. The historian Strabo claims “more tribes were subdued by [Demetrios] than Alexander.” He apparently made Taxila in the Punjab his capital, and during his reign the Greco-Baktrian kingdom reached its greatest extent. His son Euthydemos II seems to have reigned jointly with him for a short time, but after the end of the regime circa 180 BC the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom fragmented, with his ministers and/or relations Apollodotos, Agathokles, Antimachos, and Panteleon claiming portions of it.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 13 May at 2 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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