BAKTRIA (Greco-Baktrian Kingdom): Eukratides I Megas "The Great". Circa 170-145 BC. AR Obol (0.57 g). Mint: Bactria or Panjhir. Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Eukratides to right. / Rev: The two caps of the Dioskouroi, each with a palm branch beside it. monogram below. Medallic style. A brilliant portrait of Young Eukratides without helmet on obol. Attractive Example. Beautifully Toned, Bold EF. Very Rare in this quality.
*Eucratides I Megas (reigned 170–145 BC), also known as Eucratides the Great King of Bactria, was one of the most important Greco-Bactrian kings. Eucratides overthrew the Euthydemid dynasty of Bactria (possibly killing Demetrius) and restored the Diodotid dynasty of Diodotus I, allied to the Parthian Empire. Eucratides fought against the easternmost Hellenistic and Indian rulers in India, holding territory in the Indus and as far as Barigaza until he was finally defeated by Menander and pushed back to Bactria. Eucratides minted a vast and prestigious coinage, suggesting a rule of considerable importance and prosperity. His son, Heliocles I was father of Heliocles II, who was the last Greek king to rule in Bactria, as Yuezhi and Saka nomads overran the country in c. 100 BCE.
