Leu Numismatik AG
Auction 10 24 Oct 2021
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LOCAL ISSUES, Sogdiana. Bukhara. Circa 2nd to 4th centuries AD. Tetradrachm (Silver, 27 mm, 9.71 g, 1 h), imitating Euthydemos I of Baktria (225-220 BC). Parthian-style head of a king to right, wearing diademed and radiate headdress with long locks. Rev. 'mlk' y...' (in blundered Aramaic) Deformed figure of Herakles seated left on trapezoid seat decorated with three pellets, holding club set on his right knee in his right hand and leaning left on seat. Alram 1228. HGC 12, p. 189 var. (shape of seat). MIG 494. Senior A18.5T (shape of seat). Rare. A beautifully toned and unusually attractive example. Good very fine.
Ultimately also derived from Euthydemos' seated Herakles type, the appearance of a Parthian style portrait on the obverse of this issue indicates a struck date for this issue much later than is commonly assumed. It is evidence for the long-lasting influence of Greco-Baktrian coinage and culture in Central Asia long after the fall of the kingdom in circa 130 BC.
Ultimately also derived from Euthydemos' seated Herakles type, the appearance of a Parthian style portrait on the obverse of this issue indicates a struck date for this issue much later than is commonly assumed. It is evidence for the long-lasting influence of Greco-Baktrian coinage and culture in Central Asia long after the fall of the kingdom in circa 130 BC.