Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 16 22-24 May 2021
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Plato, circa 145-140 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 35 mm, 16.88 g, 12 h), Balkh. Diademed and draped bust of Plato to right. Rev. BAΣΙΛEΩΣ EΠΙΦANOYΣ / ΠΛATΩNΟΣ Helios, radiate and holding scepter in his right hand, standing facing in quadriga; to left, monogram. Bopearachchi 1. HGC 12, 165. MIG 198. Extremely rare. Light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
The only evidence we have for Plato are his coins, which break with the numismatic traditions of his predecessors by showing Helios in a facing quadriga on the reverse. Since some of Plato's coins were found in Balkh, whereas none have surfaced in Aï Khanoum, they were very likely struck after the fall of the eastern capital of the Greco-Baktrian Kingdom to Nomad invaders in circa 145 BC. Much like Eukratides II and Heliokles, Plato failed to stem the tide for the Greco-Baktrian Kingdom and soon disappeared from history, leaving behind just his extremely rare coins for us to study.
The only evidence we have for Plato are his coins, which break with the numismatic traditions of his predecessors by showing Helios in a facing quadriga on the reverse. Since some of Plato's coins were found in Balkh, whereas none have surfaced in Aï Khanoum, they were very likely struck after the fall of the eastern capital of the Greco-Baktrian Kingdom to Nomad invaders in circa 145 BC. Much like Eukratides II and Heliokles, Plato failed to stem the tide for the Greco-Baktrian Kingdom and soon disappeared from history, leaving behind just his extremely rare coins for us to study.