Artwork Page for Tetradrachm Coin of Demetrios I

Details / Information for Tetradrachm Coin of Demetrios I

Tetradrachm Coin of Demetrios I

200–190 BCE

Afghanistan, Bactria, Indo-Greek

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Medium
silver
Measurements
Diameter: 3.3 cm (1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1999.318
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Demetrios I (222–180 BC) ruled the Indo-Greek kingdom of Bactria from 200 to 180 BC and minted this coin to commemorate his conquests over territories to the south, in present-day Pakistan. He linked his image on his coin to Alexander of Macedon (356–323 BC), who depicted himself with a lion scalp after his conquest of India; Demetrios substituted an elephant for the lion. On the reverse is Hercules, also identified with Alexander.
Two circular views show a silver coin. On the left, a relief portrait depicts a man in profile facing right, wearing an elephant-skin headdress with trunk and tusks. On the right, a nude male figure stands centered, holding a club and pelt in his left hand while touching his head. Greek lettering and a monogram border the figure. Fine carving highlights the leather's heavy texture and the figure's defined musculature.

Tetradrachm Coin of Demetrios I

200–190 BCE

Afghanistan, Bactria, Indo-Greek

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