BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I Soter. Circa 255-235 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.35 g, 6h). Near EF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 413. Estimated: $ 1 500

Oriental Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 7 250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I Soter. Circa 255-235 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.35 g, 6h). Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left, Zeus Bremetes, nude, seen from behind, advancing left, aegis draped over outstretched left arm, and brandishing thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left. Kritt, New A8, Style 2; Holt Series A, Group 8; Bopearachchi 1A; SNG ANS 75; HGC 9, 234 (Antiochos II); Westmoreland 75 (this coin). Lightly toned, underlying luster, traces of deposits, typical test cut on obverse, die flaws on reverse. Near EF.

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 79 (26 July 2005), lot 3337.

Circa 260 BC, the Seleukid king Antiochos II appointed a general named Diodotos, possibly a distant relation to Seleukos I Nikator, as satrap of Baktria, the easternmost province of his empire. Starting circa 256 BC, Diodotos began a gradual transition to Baktrian independence, with himself as ruler. For a period of time he struck gold and silver coins in the name of Antiochos, but with his own portrait and personal reverse type of Zeus Bremetes (“Thundering Zeus”), striding and hurling a thunderbolt. At some point he appointed his son, Diodotos II, as co-ruler, and both kings began to use their own names on coins and official proclamations, possibly after defeating an attack by the incipient Parthian Kingdom in circa 240 BC. Diodotos I apparently died circa 235 BC; his son carried on until circa 225 BC, when he was overthrown and killed by Euthydemos I. Despite this violent end to their dynasty, they continued to be revered as founders of the kingdom by later rulers.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session Two – Lot 302-613 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 13 January 2026 beginning at 2:00 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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