Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXV 11-12 Jan 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 9.74 g, 12h). BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΣTPATΩNOΣ, diademed heroic bust left, wearing aegis and brandishing spear in right hand / maharajasa tratarasa stratasa in Kharosthi, Athena Alkidemos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi Série 3 (monogram unlisted), and pl. 35, F = MIG Type 314a = Haughton, Silver, 18 and pl. IX, 5 = MIG Type 314a = HGC 12, 319 (same obv. die); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –, but cf. 993. In NGC encapsulation 2051084-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5.
From the Melinda Collection.
After an apparently brief regency or joint reign with his mother Agathokleia, she disappears from the coinage and Strato continues alone. The heroic pose seen here, brandishing a spear in the manner of Zeus hurling a thunderbolt, evokes much earlier issues by the great Eukratides I of Baktria, while the reverse imitates issues of Menander. Strato's coins indicate a reign of some duration, as his portraits show signs of aging, with some depicting him as bearded.
From the Melinda Collection.
After an apparently brief regency or joint reign with his mother Agathokleia, she disappears from the coinage and Strato continues alone. The heroic pose seen here, brandishing a spear in the manner of Zeus hurling a thunderbolt, evokes much earlier issues by the great Eukratides I of Baktria, while the reverse imitates issues of Menander. Strato's coins indicate a reign of some duration, as his portraits show signs of aging, with some depicting him as bearded.