Sale: Nomos 1, Lot: 123. Estimate CHF12500.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2009.  Sold For CHF13000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos II. Circa 246-230. (Silver, 16.66 g 6), Mint B, circa 235-230. Diademed head of Diodotos II to right Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΙΟΔΟΤΟΥ Zeus striding left, hurling thunderbolt from his upraised right hand and with aegis over his outstretched left arm; to left, before his left foot, eagle standing left with wreath above; behind, Β. Bopearachchi 6B. Holt D/7, 24-25. SNG ANS 88. A superb coin struck in high relief with a magnificent portrait; exceptionally well preserved, perhaps the finest example known. Some minor flatness and marks on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.

The Baktrian kingdom was founded by Diodotos I who had been appointed satrap of Baktria by Antiochos II but who then revolted in 255. He seems to have ruled jointly with his son Diodotos II from 246 until his death in 239. The revolt was, however, rather gradual since the coinage produced by Diodotos I first bore the portrait and name of Antiochos II and then continued in the name of the Seleukid king but with his own somewhat elderly looking portrait. Diodotos II’s coinage also initially was struck in the name of the Seleukid king, but bore his own young and handsome head. The final issues bore his name as well. The present coin has one of the most beautiful of all the known portraits of Diodotos II. He was apparently overthrown by Euthydemos I, who formed another dynasty of Baktrian rulers.