3225

Kingdom of Baktria. Euthydemos I, c. 230-200 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.96 g). VF

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:140.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Kingdom of Baktria. Euthydemos I, c. 230-200 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.96 g). VF
Kingdom of Baktria. Euthydemos I, c. 230-200 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.96 g). Diademed head right of Euthydemos I. Reverse: Herakles seated left on rock; in right hand, club. Bop. Série 10; SNG ANS 136ff. Fields a bit rough from horn silver deposits being carefully removed. Now nicely toned. About Very Fine. .

When Alexander the Great fulfilled his father's dream of conquering the Achaemenid satrapy of Baktria and surrounding areas, new coin types were utilized and eventually resulted in some of the finest Hellenistic portraits on Greek coins. The strength of many in their realism and power causes them to be amongst some of the most desirable portrayals of any kingdom, past or present. When comparing them to, say, French écus of the 17th and 18th centuries (certainly a high point of more modern world coinage), the Baktrian coins surpass them on individuality, boldness, strength and sculptural quality.

While this presently offered run of Baktrian coins is not notable for necessarily top-condition examples, it is remarkable for diversity, rarer types and the rich selection of reigns represented. It is often the case that hoards are found with well-worn specimens that display porosity and the finders' poor attempts at cleaning. If one can overlook these faults and concentrate on their charisma, the viewer could well benefit from this artistic appraisal .
Estimated Value $300 - 400.