Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 89 5 Nov 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Diodotos I or II Æ 17mm. Aï Khanoum, circa 255-225 BC. Bull standing to right; [monogram] above / Anchor upwards, monograms flanking; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ to right, ИΔΙΟAΟΤΟ[Υ] (sic) to left. Unpublished in the standard references; for prototype issued under Seleukos I and Antiochos I cf. SC 288.1. 2.20g, 17mm, 1h.
Near Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished, and of significant numismatic interest.
This remarkable coin appears to copy an extremely rare type issued at Aï Khanoum during the coregency of Seleukos and Antiochos around 285-281 BC, of which only two examples have appeared at auction in the past two decades. The name of Diodotos appears partially garbled, however the style of the engraving is much akin to that of SC 288.1, and the obverse may possibly be a die match to Roma E-63, lot 309 (though the poor state of preservation of the present coin precludes a definitive judgement); this, along with the placement of two monograms employed flanking the anchor seem to argue against a simple derivative imitation. It is not inconceivable that a blundered re-engraving of an existing legend may be to blame for the odd epigraphy; hopefully further examples that may come to light in the future may elucidate the matter.
Near Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished, and of significant numismatic interest.
This remarkable coin appears to copy an extremely rare type issued at Aï Khanoum during the coregency of Seleukos and Antiochos around 285-281 BC, of which only two examples have appeared at auction in the past two decades. The name of Diodotos appears partially garbled, however the style of the engraving is much akin to that of SC 288.1, and the obverse may possibly be a die match to Roma E-63, lot 309 (though the poor state of preservation of the present coin precludes a definitive judgement); this, along with the placement of two monograms employed flanking the anchor seem to argue against a simple derivative imitation. It is not inconceivable that a blundered re-engraving of an existing legend may be to blame for the odd epigraphy; hopefully further examples that may come to light in the future may elucidate the matter.