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Triton XXV 11-12 Jan 2022
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.56 g, 12h). Mint B ("Baktra"). Struck circa 206-200 BC. Diademed older head right / BAΣIΛEYΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on rocks; monogram below rock. Kritt B17; Bopearachchi 12A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 113; MPHB Group IV, 521 (dies 149/362); SNG ANS 141-2; MIG Type 94a; HGC 12, 43. In NGC encapsulation 4277508-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style.
From the Melinda Collection.
Euthydemos, the third Greco-Baktrian king, presents an interesting picture of a ruler. We know three things about him-he was bold, he was honest, and he was stubborn. We know he was bold because he took the initiative to overthrow his overlord, Diodotos II, and make himself king. We can say he was honest, as least as far as his appearance goes, because he is one of the few rulers who actually ages on his coins. His early coins depict him as a relatively smooth-faced young man. By the end of his reign, he is the aged, care-worn fellow we see on this remarkable coin portrait. As for stubborn, Euthydemos is mentioned by the second-century BC historian Polybius in his life of the Seleukid king Antiochos III the Great (222-187 BC). According to Polybius, Antiochos decided to march east and reconquer all the lands that had been lost by his forebears. In 208 BC, he arrived in Baktria, ruled by Euthydemos. The Baktrian ruler commanded a huge cavalry arm, more than 10,000 riders. But these were routed by the Seleukid army and Euthydemos took refuge in the city of Baktra, where he remained under siege for more than two years. Eventually, Antiochos wearied of the siege and cut a deal, allowing Euthydemos to retain power. His stubbornness had paid off.
From the Melinda Collection.
Euthydemos, the third Greco-Baktrian king, presents an interesting picture of a ruler. We know three things about him-he was bold, he was honest, and he was stubborn. We know he was bold because he took the initiative to overthrow his overlord, Diodotos II, and make himself king. We can say he was honest, as least as far as his appearance goes, because he is one of the few rulers who actually ages on his coins. His early coins depict him as a relatively smooth-faced young man. By the end of his reign, he is the aged, care-worn fellow we see on this remarkable coin portrait. As for stubborn, Euthydemos is mentioned by the second-century BC historian Polybius in his life of the Seleukid king Antiochos III the Great (222-187 BC). According to Polybius, Antiochos decided to march east and reconquer all the lands that had been lost by his forebears. In 208 BC, he arrived in Baktria, ruled by Euthydemos. The Baktrian ruler commanded a huge cavalry arm, more than 10,000 riders. But these were routed by the Seleukid army and Euthydemos took refuge in the city of Baktra, where he remained under siege for more than two years. Eventually, Antiochos wearied of the siege and cut a deal, allowing Euthydemos to retain power. His stubbornness had paid off.