Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 1031. Estimate $2000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $1650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.05 g, 11h). Commemorative issue struck for Diodotos I in the name of Antiochos II. Diademed head of Diodotos I right / Zeus Bremetes left; to inner left, wreath above eagle standing left; to inner right, monogram. Bopearachchi Série 13A; SNG ANS 258 var. (monogram). Near VF, dark patina, rough in areas.

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 Diodotos’ 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 back through Diodotos' first coinage, in the name of Antiochos, and then to Alexander III of Macedon.