★ An early tetradrachmof Eukratides I ★

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 33 mm, 16.56 g, 12 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 of KP. Bopearachchi Série 1B. HGC 12, 130. SNG ANS 431. Somewhat rough and the reverse with some corrosion, otherwise, good very fine.

From an old Swiss collection, formed in the 1970s.

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.