Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XX 29-30 Oct 2020
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Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios II AR Tetradrachm. Circa 150-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / Athena standing facing, holding spear and shield set on ground; BAΣIEΛΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY and monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1E; SNG ANS 392 (same obv. die) = NFA, [CJAA?] Dec 14 1989, no. 755; HGC 12, 126; cf. Qunduz 36 for similar style obv. 16.95g, 33mm, 12h.
Mint State; likely the finest known tetradrachm of Demetrios II.
From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).
SNG ANS notes a doubt over no. 392, presumably on account of the unusual style; however the styles of the obverse dies produced for Demetrios II vary, with dies of similar style to the present example having been found in the Qunduz Hoard (cf. 35-38). The stylistic variations support the current scholarly hypothesis that Demetrios II ruled in the east of Baktria, and/or further south, in Paropamisadae and/or Arachosia, which is plausible given that no coins of his have been found in the ruins of Aï Khanoum; it is presently thought that Demetrios struck his coinage at a number of temporary mints. The present incontrovertibly authentic coin both vindicates the ANS (NFA) specimen and further supports the south/eastern hypothesis when the more 'provincial' style of engraving is considered. It is of unparalleled preservational state, making it in all likelihood the finest surviving coin of Demetrios II.
Mint State; likely the finest known tetradrachm of Demetrios II.
From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).
SNG ANS notes a doubt over no. 392, presumably on account of the unusual style; however the styles of the obverse dies produced for Demetrios II vary, with dies of similar style to the present example having been found in the Qunduz Hoard (cf. 35-38). The stylistic variations support the current scholarly hypothesis that Demetrios II ruled in the east of Baktria, and/or further south, in Paropamisadae and/or Arachosia, which is plausible given that no coins of his have been found in the ruins of Aï Khanoum; it is presently thought that Demetrios struck his coinage at a number of temporary mints. The present incontrovertibly authentic coin both vindicates the ANS (NFA) specimen and further supports the south/eastern hypothesis when the more 'provincial' style of engraving is considered. It is of unparalleled preservational state, making it in all likelihood the finest surviving coin of Demetrios II.