Description

Tetradrachm. circa 170-145 BC, Balkh. 33.00 mm. Obv. Diademed and draped bust of Eucratides to the right, wearing Macedonian helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead and reel border.
Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ / ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ. The Dioskouri prancing to right, each holding spear and palm branch; below right, monogram.
Mitchiner 177f; Bopearachchi série 6, W.40; SNG ANS 469.
A nice piece with a nice portrait and a light iridescent tone, minor marks, some minor deposits, otherwise extremely fine.
Ex Bruun Rasmussen sale 856, 12 May 2015, lot 5026. Ex NAC Auction 150, 2 September 2024, Lot 605 (From a Scandinavian private collection).

The helmet is adorned with the ear and horns of a bull, symbolizing strength and royal authority. This imagery not only served to legitimize the rule of Eucratides, but also linked him to the divine. This was a common practice among Hellenistic rulers who wanted to elevate their status and justify their power.