BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.42 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Antiochos III of Syria. VF.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 412. Estimated: $ 1 000

Oriental Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 2 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.42 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 inner right. MPHB Group I, 121–8 var. (O21bis/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Bopearachchi 13A; SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 84; Triton XII, lot 402 (same obv. die). Toned, cleaning marks, horn silver. VF.

Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 30 (13 July 2024), lot 1182 (since cleaned); Classical Numismatic Group 123 (23 May 2023), lot 341.

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.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session Two – Lot 309-594 will be held Tuesday morning, 15 September 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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