© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Stater - Eucratides I 170 BC - 145 BC
| Gold | 8.47 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Kings of Baktria |
|---|---|
| King | Eucratides I (Εὐκρατίδης) (171 BC - 145 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 170 BC - 145 BC |
| Value | Gold Stater (20) |
| Currency | Drachm (305-15BC) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.47 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#182074 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
The Dioscuri mounted right on rearing horses, holding palm fronds over shoulders and couched spears. A monogram in lower right field.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ
ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ
ΔΙΦ
Translation: Of Great King Eukratides
Comment
Alexander the Great's reached the Indian subcontinent and established a Greek presence there that persisted for nearly four centuries. The region was first controlled by Alexander's general Seleucus and his descendants. By 240 BC, the regions encompassing modern Afghanistan and northern India had broken from Seleucid rule and became independent under their own line of kings, which were showcased in a series of coin portraits of astonishing power and realism. Greatest of these was Eucratides, ca. 171-145 BC, whose vast realm was larger than any other Greek-ruled kingdom of the time.Eucratides struck silver coins in great numbers and many survive today. His gold coins, however, are rare. (source: Heritage Auctions)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin Stater - Eucratides I (170 BC - 145 BC) from Kings of Baktria made of Gold weighing 8.47 g is that it features the first known portrait of a Greek king on a coin. The coin's obverse side depicts a bearded Eucratides I in profile, wearing a royal diadem, while the reverse side shows a seated Zeus holding a scepter and a small statue of the goddess Nike. This coin is considered a rare and valuable artifact, and its design has been influential in the development of coinage in the ancient Greek world.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (170 BC - 145 BC) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Stater - Eucratides I (170 BC - 145 BC) coin.
