Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXV 11-12 Jan 2022
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BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Agathokleia & Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 9.77 g, 12h). BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΣTPATΩNOΣ KAI AΓAΘOKΛEIΑΣ, diademed and draped bust of Strato I and draped bust of Agathokleia conjoined right / Maharajasa tratarasa Stratasa Agathukriyae in Kharosthi, Athena Alkidemos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 6A; Haughton, Silver, pp. 135-6 and pl. VIII, 2 (same obv. die); Bopearachchi & Rahman 418; SNG ANS 987; MIG Type 306a; HGC 12, 314. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4277064-002, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare.
From the Melinda Collection.
The numismatic evidence suggests that Strato and Agathokleia co-ruled a portion of the Indo-Greek Kingdom, likely encompassing western Ghandara and parts of the Punjab, sometime in the later second century BC, but their possible connection with the other Indo-Greek dynasts remains entirely conjectural. The early consensus was that Agathokleia was the wife or sister of Menander I Soter (circa 155-130 BC), and that Strato was their son, for whom she served as regent in the early part of the reign. Further studies indicated that a gap of at least 20 years came between the reign of Menander and that of Agathokleia and Strato, precluding a direct succession. Agathokleia's name suggests she may be a descendant of the earlier Greco-Baktrian king Agathokles. Her prominence is indicated by a small coinage with her portrait alone on the obverse, making her the only female to appear by herself on a coin of the series.
From the Melinda Collection.
The numismatic evidence suggests that Strato and Agathokleia co-ruled a portion of the Indo-Greek Kingdom, likely encompassing western Ghandara and parts of the Punjab, sometime in the later second century BC, but their possible connection with the other Indo-Greek dynasts remains entirely conjectural. The early consensus was that Agathokleia was the wife or sister of Menander I Soter (circa 155-130 BC), and that Strato was their son, for whom she served as regent in the early part of the reign. Further studies indicated that a gap of at least 20 years came between the reign of Menander and that of Agathokleia and Strato, precluding a direct succession. Agathokleia's name suggests she may be a descendant of the earlier Greco-Baktrian king Agathokles. Her prominence is indicated by a small coinage with her portrait alone on the obverse, making her the only female to appear by herself on a coin of the series.