Pedigree Tetradrachm for Antiochos III of Syria

CNG 106, Lot: 563. Estimate $2000. Sold for $4750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.44 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Antiochos III of Syria. ANTIOXOY down right, NIKATOPOΣ down left, diademed head of Euthydemos right / Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, aegis draped over outstretched left arm, and brandishing thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 13A; HGC 12, 84; Triton XII, lot 402 (same obv. die). VF, lightly toned, granular surfaces, a few scrapes and circulation marks.

The attribution of the individual on this tetradrachm, one of the series of pedigree issues struck by Agathokles, has been the subject of much discussion. Based on his own coinage, the portrait here is that of Euthydemos I. The legend – ANTIOXOY NIKATOPOΣ – suggests one of the early Seleukid kings of that name, and attempts have been made to associate the Antiochos on this tetradrachm with Antiochos II, who is named on the issues of Diodotos I. Jens Jakobsson (“Antiochus Nicator, the Third King of Baktria?”, NC 170 [2010], p. 25), while rightly arguing against Antiochos II as the person commemorated, he offered no alternative. Brian Kritt, who recently has revisited the issue (New Discoveries in Bactrian Numismatics, Chapter 5), convincingly suggests Antiochos III as the mostly likely candidate. Antiochos III, whose historical epithet is Megas (the Great), conducted a vigorous series of campaigns in the East, including the subjugation of the Parthians, his victories in Bactria, including the capture of Aï Khanoum, and his subsequent campaigning in India (p. 80). Like Alexander before him (who also figures in the pedigree series), Antiochos would have been a figure worthy of emulation by Agathokles and with whom he would wish to be associated.