The New York Sale
Auction 54 11 Jan 2022
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Baktrian Kingdom. Demetrios I. Silver Tetradrachm (16.97 g.), ca. 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Demetrios I right, wearing elephant's skin headdress. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with wreath, holding club and lion's skin; in left field, monogram. Bopearachchi 1F; SNG ANS 190. Rare. Excellent detail and dies of fine style. Untoned. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
It is interesting to note that Demetrius wears an elephant-skin headdress as conqueror of India, very likely with direct allusion to Alexander the Great. Note that his Hercules is ttanding and crowining himself. According to W.W. Tarn, The Greeks in Bactria and India, 3rd ed., p. 90, tells us that Euthydemus introduced a new state-form, in which provinces were ruled by sub-kings, members of the royal family who possessed the right of coinage, instead of by satraps. Some of the following rulers were apparently sub-kings to Demetrius.
Peter Corcoran Collection, Private purchase from Palladium Numismatics 5/94.
It is interesting to note that Demetrius wears an elephant-skin headdress as conqueror of India, very likely with direct allusion to Alexander the Great. Note that his Hercules is ttanding and crowining himself. According to W.W. Tarn, The Greeks in Bactria and India, 3rd ed., p. 90, tells us that Euthydemus introduced a new state-form, in which provinces were ruled by sub-kings, members of the royal family who possessed the right of coinage, instead of by satraps. Some of the following rulers were apparently sub-kings to Demetrius.
Peter Corcoran Collection, Private purchase from Palladium Numismatics 5/94.