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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Pantaleon Soter. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 15.91 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΠANTAΛEONTOΣ to left, Zeus enthroned left, holding in right hand statue of Hekate, who holds torch in each hand, and scepter; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 1A = MIG Type 157a = HGC 12, 100 (same dies as illustration); Bopearachchi & Rahman 168 (same obv. die); MPHB dies 2/1 (unlisted die combination); SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 100; CNG 115, lot 398 (same dies); NAC 77, lot 107 (same dies). Toned, light die rust. EF. Removed from NGC Encapsulation 4283229, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style. With an attractive, high-relief portrait of fine style. Extremely rare and among the finest known. .
From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, November 1998.
Known only from his coins, the identity of this Greco-Bactrian king has long been a subject of debate. Some nineteenth century scholars, who were working with a more limited selection of coins, believed that Pantaleon, along with Agathokles, was a son of Diodotos I. But as more numismatic evidence came to light it was clear that kings such as Agathokles, Antimachos, and Pantaleon could not be part of the Diodotids who ruled in the early period of Bactrian independence from the Seleukids.
The coinages of Pantaleon and Agathokles are similar in many respects, leading some authorities to suspect that they were relatives. The portrait on this tetradrachm, for example, is closely linked to those of Agathokles, suggesting there was an effort to demonstrate unity or solidarity. Pantaleon's well-modeled image is somewhat older and heavier than that of Agathokles, and has a less pronounced chin. A further indication that Pantaleon and Agathocles were closely associated is the fact that Agathokles struck pedigree tetradrachms for Pantaleon (as savior). This would suggest that Pantaleon was either a predecessor or a contemporary who died before Agathokles, whose coinage demonstrates that his reign was significantly longer than that of Pantaleon.
The six examples of this issue are known from one obverse and three reverse dies:
1. A/a
a. London, British Museum, inv. 1888,1208.108 [Bopearachchi 1A(illustration); MIG Type 157a; HGC 12, 100]
b. NAC 77, lot 107
c. CNG 115, lot 398
d.Triton XXV, lot 555(the present example)
2. A/b
a. Triton I, lot 594
3. A/c
a. Bopearachchi & Rahman 168
The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session Two – Greek Coinage (Part 2) through Roman Provincial Coinage will be held Tuesday afternoon, 11 January 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.
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