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BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Theophilos Dikaios. Circa 130-129 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.76 g, 12h). BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔIKAIOY (quadrate Θ)EOΦIΛOY, diademed and draped bust right / maharajasa dhramikasa theaphilasa in Kharosthi, laureate Herakles standing facing, crowning self with wreath in right hand and cradling club in left arm; forearm draped in lion skin; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi Série 2 (monogram unlisted) and pl. 48, K (same obv. die); cf. Bopearachchi 4A (for a drachm with this monogram); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, –, but cf. 224 (for type) Zeno –. Lightly toned. Artistic portrait. In NGC encapsulation 3818925-001, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Extremely rare, Bopearachchi cites only a drachm with this monogram, none in CoinArchives.
From the Melinda Collection.
Except for his extremely rare coins, Theophilos “the Just” is unknown to history. The name, meaning “beloved of god,” occurs infrequently in the pre-Christian Greek world, most famously as a correspondent of the evangelist Luke. The few coins found suggest his brief rule, perhaps no more than a year, was confined to the Paropamisadai and Western Gandhara, perhaps as a successor to Zoilos I, with whom he shares reverse iconography. Coins are struck on both the Indic and Attic standards, the latter perhaps as tribute payment north of the Hindu Kush. The reverse design of Herakles holding a club and crowning himself recalls the very similar issues of the Baktrian ruler Demetrios I nearly a century earlier. It is unknown whether this implies a dynastic connection. It is also uncertain whether Theophilos Dikaios is the same ruler as Theophilos Autokrator, of whom a few very rare Attic-weigh tetradrachms are known. These employ a very different reverse type, a seated Athena, in addition to a different epithet.
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.
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