Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 96 14 May 2014
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antiochos Nikator. Circa 240-225 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.30 g, 6h). Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ down right field, ANTIOXOY down left, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, N above eagle standing left. Cf. Holt Series A, Group 7 (tetradrachm); Bopearachchi –; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; SC 629 (Antiochos II of Syria). Near EF, lustrous. Rare without the typical test cut on obverse.
According to the traditional chronology of the early Baktrian kings, Diodotos I attempted to gradually secede from the Seleukids. As a part of his slow transition, he first issued coins bearing the name of Antiochos, and only later struck in his own name. This method of secession stands in stark contrast to all other separatists and usurpers of the time, thus Jakobsson ("Antiochus Nicator, the Third King of Bactria?," NC 2010, pp. 17-33) refutes this model and reassigns these "transitional" issues in the name of Antiochos from Diodotos to a new King Antiochos in Baktria. His argument rests on three main points: the existence of a commemorative tetradrachm of Agathokles that names an Antiochos Nikator; a new arrangement of the control marks and links between the coinage of Diodotos II, "Antiochos," and Euthydemos; and the generally overcomplicated nature of the earlier models of Holt and Kritt.
According to the new chronology, Diodotos I swiftly broke from the Seleukids and struck coinage in his own name. He was succeeded by Diodotos II, then Antiochos Nikator, who both continued with the same dynastic type of Zeus Bremetes.
According to the traditional chronology of the early Baktrian kings, Diodotos I attempted to gradually secede from the Seleukids. As a part of his slow transition, he first issued coins bearing the name of Antiochos, and only later struck in his own name. This method of secession stands in stark contrast to all other separatists and usurpers of the time, thus Jakobsson ("Antiochus Nicator, the Third King of Bactria?," NC 2010, pp. 17-33) refutes this model and reassigns these "transitional" issues in the name of Antiochos from Diodotos to a new King Antiochos in Baktria. His argument rests on three main points: the existence of a commemorative tetradrachm of Agathokles that names an Antiochos Nikator; a new arrangement of the control marks and links between the coinage of Diodotos II, "Antiochos," and Euthydemos; and the generally overcomplicated nature of the earlier models of Holt and Kritt.
According to the new chronology, Diodotos I swiftly broke from the Seleukids and struck coinage in his own name. He was succeeded by Diodotos II, then Antiochos Nikator, who both continued with the same dynastic type of Zeus Bremetes.