Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I. Silver Tetradrachm (16.16 g), ca. 230-200 BC. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum), ca. 215-210 BC. Diademed head of Euthydemos I right, with elderly features. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on knee; below, PK monogram. Bopearachchi 12A; Kritt B17; SNG ANS 141. Fantastic portrait struck in high relief. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine / Very Fine. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
This is the earliest of a series of remarkable portrait coins that raises Bactrian coinage to the highest level of Hellenistic numismatic artistry. It depicts the king as an old man, with the weary Hercules resting from his labors as the reverse.
Peter Corcoran Collection, Ex CNG XXXIII (15 March 1995), 464.