Pre-Long Beach Auction #81

Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I and Diodotos II. Gold Stater (8.3 g), ca. 250-230 BC. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum), in the name of Antiochos II. Diademed head of Antiochos II right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOΧOY, Zeus advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt and holding aegis draped over arm; in inner left field, N above eagle standing left. Cf. Holt series A, grp. 7 (tetradrachm); SC 629; Bopearachchi -; SNG ANS -. Lustrous surfaces. A test cut across top of head extending down to the diadem not effecting the portrait. Sharpness of Extremely Fine.
Issued in the name of the Seleukid King Antiochos II Theos with the portrait of Diodotos, the first king of Baktria. Diodotos, the founder of the Baktrian kingdom, was originally the satrap (governor) of the Seleukid province of Baktro-Sogdiana, but rebelled against Antiochos II around 250 BC and succeeded in establishing an independent realm. This gold stater of Diodotos belongs to the initial phase of his regime. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000

Includes a detailed COA from David Sear.