Greek Silver & Bronze Coins

Lot 3103    SESSION 7 (9.30AM THURSDAY 30TH JULY)    Greek Silver & Bronze Coins

Estimate $3,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,500

BAKTRIA, Kingdom of, Agathokles, (c.185-170 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (15.52 g), a commemorative issue struck for Diodotos I in the name of Antiochos II of Syria, obv. diademed head of Diodotes I to right, to right **ANTIOKOU, NIKATOP[OS]* to left, all within dotted border, rev. Zeus advancing to left brandishing thunderbolt and aegis draped over extended left arm, wreath above eagle in left field, to left **AGAQOKLEOUS* and monogram in right field, to right **BASILEWONTOS*, in exergue **DIKAIOU*, (S.-, SNG ANS 258 variety (monogram), Bopearachchi Series 13A, HGC 12. -, Mitchiner 143 variety, MACW -). Good very fine, surface roughness on both sides, very rare.

Most references incorrectly name the obverse portrait as Antiochos II, but comparison with tetradrachms of Antiochos and Diodotos suggests that the portrait is Diodotos I. These "pedigree" coins utilise the commemorative king's coin types. He used the Antiochos name on the obverse as all of his lifetime coinage has the name of Antiochos on the obverse. For more information, see CNG VIII [lot 633-4] on the "pedigree" coinage of Agathokles.