The "pedigree" coins issued by Agathokles copy the coin types of his predecessors, with the predecessor's name and cult epithet on the obverse, and Agathokles' name and titles on the reverse. They are all very rare, and the term "pedigree" coinage implies that Agathokles' intent was to advertise the line of succession from Alexander the Great to himself, presumably as an aspect of his civil war propaganda.
With the exception of the ANS catalog, all references incorrectly name the obverse portrait as Antiochos II. A comparison with tetradrachms of Antiochos and Diodotos I, however, clearly reveals that the portrait is that of the latter. As these "pedigree" coins employ the commemorated king's coin types, it is not surprising that this issue for Diodotos I has the name of Antiochos on the obverse, as all of his lifetime coinage was issued in the Seleukid king's name (see Kritt, Dynastic Transitions in the Coinage of Bactria, pp. 7-11). It would also be odd that Agathokles would trace his lineage through the Seleukids, perpetual opponents of the Baktrians. Thus, the "pedigree" series follows the logical line of succession through Diodotos' first coinage, in the name of Antiochos, and then to Alexander III of Macedon.
KINGS of BAKTRIA. Agathokles. Circa 185-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.47 gm, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Diodotos I in the name of Antiochos II of Syria. ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡΟΣ, diademed head of Diodotos I right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΟΝΤΟΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ, Zeus advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt in right hand, aegis draped over extended left arm; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left; monogram in inner right field. Bopearachchi Série 13A; SNG ANS 258 var. (monogram); MIG Type 143 var. (same); MACW -.
