★ From a Swiss Collection, acquired 1993 from Numsmatic & Ancient Gallery AG NAAG, Zürich ★

Bactria. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Baktra or an uncertain mint in the Paropamisadai or Gandhara. Eukratides I Megas 170-145 BC.
Tetradrachm AR

33 mm, 16,99 g

Helmeted and diademed bust of Eukratides right / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY EYKPATIΔOY, the Dioskouroi with palms and spears on horseback right, monogram to right.

Stunning bold relief. Good Extremely Fine

Bopearachchi Série 6E; HGC 12, 131; MIG Type 177ee.

From a Swiss Collection, acquired 1993 from Numsmatic & Ancient Gallery AG NAAG, Zurich Eukratides I Megas ruled the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom from approximately 170 BC to 145 BC. He is considered one of the most powerful and influential Hellenistic kings in Central Asia. His epithet "Megas," meaning "the Great," reflects his military strength and ambition. Eukratides came to power by overthrowing the Euthydemid dynasty, possibly through rebellion or dynastic conflict, though some sources suggest he may have had connections to the Seleucid royal family. During his reign, Eukratides significantly expanded the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom's territory. He conducted successful military campaigns against rival Hellenistic rulers in India, particularly the Indo-Greek kings, and consolidated control over Bactria and neighboring regions. His reign was marked by both territorial expansion and internal conflict, as he faced challenges from other claimants to the throne. Eukratides is renowned for his impressive coinage. He issued large silver and gold coins, including some of the largest gold coins in antiquity, symbolizing his wealth and authority. These coins often depicted his portrait wearing a crested helmet and bore the inscription "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ" ("Of Great King Eukratides"), showcasing his imperial aspirations. His rule ended violently when he was assassinated by his own son around 145 BC, an event that led to civil war and the eventual decline of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Despite this, Eukratides I Megas left a lasting legacy as a formidable ruler whose military campaigns and coinage reflect the height of Hellenistic influence in Central Asia.