Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Diodotus I, issued under Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) — Silver / gold, c. 250 BCE, mint of Bactra
Seleucid Persia

Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Diodotus I

Diodotus broke from the Seleucids to found the Greco-Bactrian kingdom — Hellenistic coinage striking deep into eastern Iran.

Key specifications for Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Diodotus I
Datec. 250 BCE
Ruler / issuerDiodotus I (Greco-Bactrian)
MintBactra
MetalSilver / gold
Weight~16.8 g
EraSeleucid Persia (312 – 141 BCE)
RegionIran, Mesopotamia, Bactria

Obverse and reverse

Obverse

Diademed head of the king right.

Reverse

Zeus advancing left hurling thunderbolt; Greek legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΙΟΔΟΤΟΥ.

Historical context — Seleucid Persia

After Alexander's death, Seleucus I and successors struck Hellenistic tetradrachms across Persian mints — Susa, Ecbatana, Persepolis, Seleucia-on-the-Tigris.

Read the full Seleucid Persia essay →

Frequently asked

What is the Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Diodotus I?
Diodotus broke from the Seleucids to found the Greco-Bactrian kingdom — Hellenistic coinage striking deep into eastern Iran. It was struck in c. 250 BCE at Bactra under Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian).
What metal and weight is it?
Silver / gold, weighing approximately ~16.8 g.
What designs appear on it?
Obverse: Diademed head of the king right. Reverse: Zeus advancing left hurling thunderbolt; Greek legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΙΟΔΟΤΟΥ.

Source

Commons – Diodotus I tetradrachm