Bactrian Coins Anyone

The Baktrians had no idea that they were producing nickel coins.
Actually, the metal they were using was really a natural alloy of copper and nickel.

Nickel as was't scientifically identified until 1751.

 

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I meant to show off this guy again for this thread. Only Bactrian I have, but I do enjoy the look of these coins, and am tempted to seek out more (and I love the OP coin!)



Kingdom of Bactria
Menander I, r. c. 165/55-130 B.C.
AR Drachm, 13mm x 2.4 grams
Obv.: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ / ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ. Diademed bust of the sovereign right, coat fastened on the right shoulder
Rev.: (Maharajasa tratarasa / Menamdrasa). Athena Alkidemos standing left. Monogram in right field
Ref.: Bopearachi, Ménandre (I) Sôter, 67

 

That's one great coin,congrats!.....

 

Oh wow!

 

Nice,
As seen on wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demetrius_I_of_Bactria#Invasion_of_India

 

Bactria is either the land of little elephants or large headed people.

And that is a beautiful OP coin!

 

This little guy just came in the mail...


I'll admit this was an impulse buy - not something that really fits inside my collecting focus (it does, but the Menander I posted above fills that spot). However, I loved th look of the Elephant, and that it's wearing a bell - does anyone know the reason behind the bell? I've just assumed it's a sign of domestication (like a cow or camel bell...), but I admit I don't know.

 

Damn, thats a hell of a coin.
Cheers!

 

Wonderful acquisitions 'Fitz' !!

I love both you posted, but I especially Love your Meander drachm!!!

 

Here is one of my favs.
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/menander-i-soter-tetradrachm-revisited.266277/

 

Thanks guys - and I do like that Tet, Noob. The role Menander played in Buddhism, and the notion that the religion would change so much because of this Greek who wouldn't even be that far west had it not been for Alexander is amazing... Sorry - the workings of history fascinates me

 

Sweet coin 4to2, awesome details, Wow!!

Kings of Bakria..165-155 BC.
Ar Drachm
19mm x 2.45g.

 

To continue Menander:

I think you mean East ?

 

Yes - I'm always mixing the two up...

 

Bactria under the Khwarezm Shah / Mongol Khan. AD 1220-1227

 

Bactria nder Sassanian Persia AD 590 Counter Mark Tribute. (Hephthalites)

 

Bactria Under the Kushan Empire Kanishka I AD 127-163

 

Bactria under the Turkic Shahs. AD 680s

 

Bactrian Region under the (蠕蠕) Jouan Jouan nomads. AD 195-230

 

My first Bac(k)trian tet.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (36mm, 16.91 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horses rearing right, holding palm fronds and lances; monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 6T; SNG ANS 468; HGC 12, 131

Ex: Allan Smith, MD Collection.

I'm sure he's important and did things; but for the time being, I don't care. I'm just enjoying myself, staring at it for several minutes at a time. Pretty enough to change my avatar.