BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 9.83 g, 12h). BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΣTPATΩNOΣ, diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear /
maharajasa tratarasa stratasa in Kharosthi, Athena Alkidemos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 28A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 430-1; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 332a; Zeno 321221 (
this coin) HGC 12, 335. Light iridescent toning, slight double strike and slightly off center on reverse. EF. Rare.
Like most Indo-Greek rulers, Strato I Soter Dikaios (”savior” and “the just”) is unknown to history apart from his coins, which suggest his rule encompassed Gandhara and the Punjab. His earliest coins show a youthful bust cojoined with that of a woman named Agathokleia, possibly his mother. His solo portraits show a somewhat older visage, some sporting a broad-rimmed helmet like that of Eukratides. Athena appears in several poses on the reverses of his coins, here in the traditional stance of Athena Alkidemos, preparing to hurl a thunderbolt.
