Ancient coins

Obverse: Heroic Bust of King Wearing a Military Helmet. Reverse: The Dioskouroi on Rearing Horses. - (LC.042)

Obverse: Heroic Bust of King Wearing a Military Helmet. Reverse: The Dioskouroi on Rearing Horses. - (LC.042)   « Less

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III  More »

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III following their failed three-year siege of Bactra. King Antiochus was so impressed with Demetrius’ demeanor that he offered one of his daughters in marriage. Following his rise to the throne around 200 B.C., Demetrius began a series of military campaigns, expanding his kingdom’s boundaries beyond their stronghold in modern Afghanistan into parts of eastern Iran and Pakistan. However, Demetrius is perhaps best remembered for his conquest of India. Following the collapse the Mauryan Dynasty at the hands of the general Pusyamitra Sunga, and the subsequent establishment of the Sunga Dynasty in 185 B.C., Bactrian forces under the command of Demetrius I invaded northwestern India. Historians speculate whether this invasion was the result of a military alliance with the Mauryans or was launched in order to protect the Greek populations of the region. What is certain is that Bactrian forces advanced deep into the heart of the subcontinent and set the foundation for the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdom that ruled northwest India for the last two centuries before the common era. The coins struck under Demetrius and his predecessors Euthydemus and Antimachus are purely Greek in style, language and weight. After his campaign into India, Demetrius minted coins such as this stellar example showing himself wearing elephant's scalp, a symbol of India and reference to Alexander the Great’s depictions wearing the lion skin headdress associated with Herakles. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial to an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.043)   « Less

The significance of Eukratides I’s rule is in part suggested by the great amount of coinage bearing his image, implying that his reign was both long and economically  More »

The significance of Eukratides I’s rule is in part suggested by the great amount of coinage bearing his image, implying that his reign was both long and economically prosperous. It is believed that he came to power around 171 B.C. after overthrowing the Euthydemid Dynasty that had previously controlled Bactria. Having secured the throne, Eukratides launched an invasion of northwest India, a territory under the authority of the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdoms. After advancing as far as the Indus River, Eukratides’ army was eventually repelled. Meanwhile, as his forces were tied up in the east, Bactria was assaulted from the west by the Parthians under King Mithradates I. This campaign ended with the Parthians seizing two neighboring provinces. History records that Eukratides was murdered around 145 B.C. by his own son while en route back from India. Following his death, civil war broke out among various rival factions of the dynasty competing for power. This instability in turn led to numerous ethnic uprisings throughout the kingdom, eventually leading to the collapse of the Bactrian Kingdom and effectively making Eukratides the last great Greco-Bactrian king. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. . The helmet has the bull's ear and horn that appeared on the leopard-skin helmet of Seleukos I and that may have been meant to allude to descent from the Seleucids. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. - (LC.044)   « Less

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III  More »

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III following their failed three-year siege of Bactra. King Antiochus was so impressed with Demetrius’ demeanor that he offered one of his daughters in marriage. Following his rise to the throne around 200 B.C., Demetrius began a series of military campaigns, expanding his kingdom’s boundaries beyond their stronghold in modern Afghanistan into parts of eastern Iran and Pakistan. However, Demetrius is perhaps best remembered for his conquest of India. Following the collapse the Mauryan Dynasty at the hands of the general Pusyamitra Sunga, and the subsequent establishment of the Sunga Dynasty in 185 B.C., Bactrian forces under the command of Demetrius I invaded northwestern India. Historians speculate whether this invasion was the result of a military alliance with the Mauryans or was launched in order to protect the Greek populations of the region. What is certain is that Bactrian forces advanced deep into the heart of the subcontinent and set the foundation for the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdom that ruled northwest India for the last two centuries before the common era. The coins struck under Demetrius and his predecessors Euthydemus and Antimachus are purely Greek in style, language and weight. After his campaign into India, Demetrius minted coins such as this stellar example showing himself wearing elephant's scalp, a symbol of India and reference to Alexander the Great’s depictions wearing the lion skin headdress associated with Herakles. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial to an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.045)   « Less

Antimachos I ruled Bactria from around 185 to 170 B.C. The historical record offers conflicting suggestions that he either a member of the familial dynasty founded by  More »

Antimachos I ruled Bactria from around 185 to 170 B.C. The historical record offers conflicting suggestions that he either a member of the familial dynasty founded by Euthydemos I or that he was independent of Euthydemid authority. Though little is known about his reign, we do know that he was likely overthrown by Eucratides, who lead a successful revolt against the Eythydemids and usurped the Bactrian throne. In the history of numismatics, Antimachos is distinguished as the first Hellenic ruler to declare himself “Basileos Teou” or “God- King.” Also notable, some of his coins feature the image of an elephant on the obverse, a position normally reserved for royal portraits. As elephants are traditionally one of the symbols for Buddhism, this feature has been interpreted as symbolizing the victory of the Bactrians against the Hindu Sunga Empire, which effectively freed the Buddhists in northern India. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his empire passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.046)   « Less

The significance of Eukratides I’s rule is in part suggested by the great amount of coinage bearing his image, implying that his reign was both long and economically  More »

The significance of Eukratides I’s rule is in part suggested by the great amount of coinage bearing his image, implying that his reign was both long and economically prosperous. It is believed that he came to power around 171 B.C. after overthrowing the Euthydemid Dynasty that had previously controlled Bactria. Having secured the throne, Eukratides launched an invasion of northwest India, a territory under the authority of the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdoms. After advancing as far as the Indus River, Eukratides’ army was eventually repelled. Meanwhile, as his forces were tied up in the east, Bactria was assaulted from the west by the Parthians under King Mithradates I. This campaign ended with the Parthians seizing two neighboring provinces. History records that Eukratides was murdered around 145 B.C. by his own son while en route back from India. Following his death, civil war broke out among various rival factions of the dynasty competing for power. This instability in turn led to numerous ethnic uprisings throughout the kingdom, eventually leading to the collapse of the Bactrian Kingdom and effectively making Eukratides the last great Greco-Bactrian king. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. . The helmet has the bull's ear and horn that appeared on the leopard-skin helmet of Seleukos I and that may have been meant to allude to descent from the Seleucids. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. - (LC.047)   « Less

The significance of Eukratides I’s rule is in part suggested by the great amount of coinage bearing his image, implying that his reign was both long and economically  More »

The significance of Eukratides I’s rule is in part suggested by the great amount of coinage bearing his image, implying that his reign was both long and economically prosperous. It is believed that he came to power around 171 B.C. after overthrowing the Euthydemid Dynasty that had previously controlled Bactria. Having secured the throne, Eukratides launched an invasion of northwest India, a territory under the authority of the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdoms. After advancing as far as the Indus River, Eukratides’ army was eventually repelled. Meanwhile, as his forces were tied up in the east, Bactria was assaulted from the west by the Parthians under King Mithradates I. This campaign ended with the Parthians seizing two neighboring provinces. History records that Eukratides was murdered around 145 B.C. by his own son while en route back from India. Following his death, civil war broke out among various rival factions of the dynasty competing for power. This instability in turn led to numerous ethnic uprisings throughout the kingdom, eventually leading to the collapse of the Bactrian Kingdom and effectively making Eukratides the last great Greco-Bactrian king. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. . The helmet has the bull's ear and horn that appeared on the leopard-skin helmet of Seleukos I and that may have been meant to allude to descent from the Seleucids. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. - (LC.048)   « Less

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III  More »

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III following their failed three-year siege of Bactra. King Antiochus was so impressed with Demetrius’ demeanor that he offered one of his daughters in marriage. Following his rise to the throne around 200 B.C., Demetrius began a series of military campaigns, expanding his kingdom’s boundaries beyond their stronghold in modern Afghanistan into parts of eastern Iran and Pakistan. However, Demetrius is perhaps best remembered for his conquest of India. Following the collapse the Mauryan Dynasty at the hands of the general Pusyamitra Sunga, and the subsequent establishment of the Sunga Dynasty in 185 B.C., Bactrian forces under the command of Demetrius I invaded northwestern India. Historians speculate whether this invasion was the result of a military alliance with the Mauryans or was launched in order to protect the Greek populations of the region. What is certain is that Bactrian forces advanced deep into the heart of the subcontinent and set the foundation for the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdom that ruled northwest India for the last two centuries before the common era. The coins struck under Demetrius and his predecessors Euthydemus and Antimachus are purely Greek in style, language and weight. After his campaign into India, Demetrius minted coins such as this stellar example showing himself wearing elephant's scalp, a symbol of India and reference to Alexander the Great’s depictions wearing the lion skin headdress associated with Herakles. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial to an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.049)   « Less

Antimachos I ruled Bactria from around 185 to 170 B.C. The historical record offers conflicting suggestions that he either a member of the familial dynasty founded by  More »

Antimachos I ruled Bactria from around 185 to 170 B.C. The historical record offers conflicting suggestions that he either a member of the familial dynasty founded by Euthydemos I or that he was independent of Euthydemid authority. Though little is known about his reign, we do know that he was likely overthrown by Eucratides, who lead a successful revolt against the Eythydemids and usurped the Bactrian throne. In the history of numismatics, Antimachos is distinguished as the first Hellenic ruler to declare himself “Basileos Teou” or “God- King.” Also notable, some of his coins feature the image of an elephant on the obverse, a position normally reserved for royal portraits. As elephants are traditionally one of the symbols for Buddhism, this feature has been interpreted as symbolizing the victory of the Bactrians against the Hindu Sunga Empire, which effectively freed the Buddhists in northern India. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his empire passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.050)   « Less

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying  More »

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying imperial rather than merely royal status, followed some years after Eukratides' consolidation of control over Bactria. He established himself as king of "the thousand cities of Bactria" and set out to enlarge his kingdom in all directions. While returning from one of his campaigns, he was killed by one of his sons, who seized the throne. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, his parents, Heliocles and Laodice, have been memorialized. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.051)   « Less