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Lansky Auction 2 6 Jul 2020
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Baktria. Agathokles. Commemorative issue for Diodotos II. 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.82g, 12h). Bopearachchi 14a; SNG ANS 259. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Minor marks. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From a European private collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1999 (96) lot 274
Agathokles issued a series of 'pedigree' dynastic coins, probably with the intent to advertise his lineage and legitimize his rule, linking him to Alexander, Antiochos, Diodotos (the founder of the Bactrian kingdom) and his son, Euthydemos, Demetrios and Pantaleon. He was also the first to use copper-nickel, an alloy technology only known at the time by the Chinese; copper-nickel would not be used again in coinage until the 19th century in the United States.
Agathokles issued a series of 'pedigree' dynastic coins, probably with the intent to advertise his lineage and legitimize his rule, linking him to Alexander, Antiochos, Diodotos (the founder of the Bactrian kingdom) and his son, Euthydemos, Demetrios and Pantaleon. He was also the first to use copper-nickel, an alloy technology only known at the time by the Chinese; copper-nickel would not be used again in coinage until the 19th century in the United States.