★ An attractive early tetradrachm of Eukratides I ★

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 34 mm, 16.86 g, 1 h), Baktra, circa 170-162. Diademed and draped bust of Eukratides I to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ The Dioskouri galloping to right, each holding spear and palm frond; to lower right, monogram. Bopearachchi Série 1D. HGC 12, 130. SNG ANS 432. An attractive and sharp example struck on a broad flan. Cleaned and slightly porous, otherwise, extremely fine.

Ex Leu Web Auction 10, 7 December 2019, 709.

This coin is part of Eukratides' first issue, with a youthful diademed portrait of particularly fine style and the plain title 'King'. In later years, Eukratides would commemorate his outstanding military successes by wearing a horned Macedonian helmet and adopting the title 'Great King' on his coins.