BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I Theos. Circa 180-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.94 g, 12h). EF.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 413. Estimated: $ 1 500

Oriental Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 3 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I Theos. Circa 180-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.94 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; } to inner right. MPHB Group I, 35 = Fitwilliam inv. Y 1086-1936 (O7/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Bopearachchi 1B; SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 106. Toned. EF.

Thanks to his coinage, the genial face of Antimachos is more familiar to us than the visages of many Hellenistic rulers, although only a single surviving tax receipt provides any other evidence for his reign. The distinctive head gear he sports is a kausia, a Macedonian sun hat, showing his connection to the distant homeland of his race. The most unusual feature of his nomenclature is the epithet Theos, “God,” unusual even in an era of grandiose titles and egos, and incongruous juxtaposed with the king’s very human portrait. Another mystery is the presence of Poseidon, god of the sea, as Baktria was almost entirely land-locked. Since Poseidon was also the god of earthquakes, his appearance here may be an appeal for protection.

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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