BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Antialkidas Nikephoros. Circa 130-120 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.37 g, 12h).

Triton XXV
Lot: 568. Estimated: $ 2 500

Oriental Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 4 250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Antialkidas Nikephoros. Circa 130-120 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.37 g, 12h). ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ ΑΝΤΙΑΛΚΙΔΟΥ, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, with aegis on left shoulder, brandishing spear in right hand / maharajasa jayadharasa amtialikitasa in Kharosthi, Zeus standing facing slightly left, holding in his right hand Nike, who stands right on a globe and holding wreath, and cradling scepter in his left arm; behind, elephant standing slightly raised right with trunk raised; monogram to left. Bopearachchi 8A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; cf. SNG ANS 1057 (for rev.); MIG Type 274a; HGC 12, 254. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4277508-002, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5.

From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1998.

In Antialkidas we have the rare incident of an Indo-Greek ruler who has left an imprint on history aside from his coinage. In this case, his name is mentioned as King in a Brahmi inscription on a pillar erected by a certain Heliodoros, who was the ambassador of Antialkidas to a Sunga king named Kasiputra. The inscription, and his scarce coinage, suggest he ruled eastern Gandhara, Arachosia and parts of the Parapomisadai. His unique reverse type combines Greek and Indian motifs: Zeus Nikephoros (”Victory bearer”) with an Indian elephant standing behind him, its foreleg raised.

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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