Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3044 3-4 January 2016
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GRECO-BACTRIA. Sophytes, as Satrap (ca. 305-294 BC). AR drachm (16mm, 3.65 gm, 6h). Male head right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with laurel wreath and wing on cheek piece; M at truncation of neck / ΣΩΦΥΤΟΥ, cock standing right; kerykeion to left. HGC 10, 14. SNG ANS 21-24. Rare! Struck in high relief and pleasingly toned. NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. The reputation of Bactria as an "Empire of Mystery" begins with its earliest coinage bearing a name, in this case an individual named Sophytes, perhaps the helmeted man shown on the obverse, about whom nothing is known. The coins bear no royal title, so has been suggested Sophytes was an early satrap of Bactria who ruled the region under Seleucus I, as there is some stylistic similarity to local bronzes issued in the name of Seleucus.
Estimate: 3000-4000 USD
GRECO-BACTRIA. Sophytes, as Satrap (ca. 305-294 BC). AR drachm (16mm, 3.65 gm, 6h). Male head right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with laurel wreath and wing on cheek piece; M at truncation of neck / ΣΩΦΥΤΟΥ, cock standing right; kerykeion to left. HGC 10, 14. SNG ANS 21-24. Rare! Struck in high relief and pleasingly toned. NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. The reputation of Bactria as an "Empire of Mystery" begins with its earliest coinage bearing a name, in this case an individual named Sophytes, perhaps the helmeted man shown on the obverse, about whom nothing is known. The coins bear no royal title, so has been suggested Sophytes was an early satrap of Bactria who ruled the region under Seleucus I, as there is some stylistic similarity to local bronzes issued in the name of Seleucus.
Estimate: 3000-4000 USD