O. Bopearachchi, in his article, "Sophytes, The Enigmatic Ruler of Central Asia" (NumKhron 1996, pp. 19-32), assessed the earlier identifications of Sophytes with Sopeithes, an Indian prince who opposed Alexander the Great, and rightly concluded that the style and hoard evidence of this coinage were not compatible with such an early date. Furthermore, based on a control mark and stylistic links, Bopearachchi concluded that the Baktrian 'Owl' and 'Eagle' series were part of Sophytes' coinage, and issued contemporary to his named issues. He also substantiated a stylistic link between certain named issues of Sophytes and the Hero-Nike and Zeus-Chariot issues of Seleukos I (see lot 926, below). Believing the Seleukid issues are related to Seleukos' campaigns against Chandragupta, Bopearachchi proposed a date for Sophytes' coinage relative to those Seleukid issues (which SC dates from circa 305 BC). The identity and position of Sophytes remain a mystery, but although the dating of his coinage to the time of Alexander has been contested, the possibility remains that Sophytes is the same Sopeithes who fought Alexander as a young prince. Alexander's experience of retaining local rulers during his eastern campaigns offers a major precedent that would support the idea that twenty-five years later Sopeithes would accept a position of authority under Seleukos I. Such an opportunity to recruit a local ruler would have arisen around 305 BC, when Seleukos was forced to prematurely end his eastern campaign to attend to affairs in Asia Minor. This coinage would then fill a void prior to the establishment of Seleukid mints in the area, circa 294 BC.
BAKTRIA. Sophytes. Circa 305-294 BC. AR Didrachm (7.78 gm). Local standard. Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet; small grape bunch behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 5; MIG 24.
