BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.95 g, 12h).

Triton XXV
Lot: 554. Estimated: $ 3 000

Oriental Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.95 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣIΛEYΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, Herakles standing facing, holding wreath in extended hand, cradling club in arm draped with lion skin; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 142; MPHB Group IV, dies 27/72; SNG ANS 216; MIG Type 113d; HGC 12, 72. In NGC encapsulation 4283231-003, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.

From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1997.

Euthydemos II is not mentioned by any historian, but from his scarce coinage it appears he was either a much younger brother or son of Demetrios I Aniketos. His portrait presents a youthful appearance, with curly hair and fleshy cheeks. Unlike his namesake Euthydemos I, he does not age, indicating his reign was relatively brief. The standing figure of Herakles on the reverse of his coins is similar to that of Demetrios I, except that he holds his wreath at his side instead of crowning himself with it. One chronological clue is that he shares with Agathokles and Panetaleon the issuance of smaller denomination cupro-nickel coins, the only times this alloy was used on coinage in antiquity. His reign thus either came shortly before theirs or was contemporary. About his fate we can say little, other than he appears not to have lived long beyond adolescence.

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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