Bactrian Kingdom Demetrius I Silver AR Tetradrachm

Afghanistan, Bactrian Kingdom / Gandhara, Demetrius I, ca. 200 to 185 BCE. AR tetradrachm (15.9 g). Obverse: Diademed and draped bust of Demetrios I right, wearing elephant's skin headdress. Reverse: inscription, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; monogram to left. Cp. Bopearachchi 1F; SNG ANS 190. Rare. Size: 1.3" W (3.3 cm)

A fascinating example of a Bactrian coin showing the clear impacts of Hellenistic culture on central Asia at this time. Demetrius was a Greek king of Gandhara, the son of Euthydemus, who conquered extensive parts of modern day Afghanistan and Pakistan, creating an Indo-Greek Kingdom. He was never defeated in battle, earning the title The Invincible, and sometimes was called the Second Alexander.

Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired over the last twenty years

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#124257
Condition Report: F+/VF with "horn" silver on obverse.