Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Euthydemus I

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.

Frequently asked

What is the Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Euthydemus I?

Withstood a three-year siege by Antiochus III at Bactra. His coinage is the high-water mark of Greco-Bactrian portrait engraving. Image: related Diodotid Bactrian tetradrachm. It was struck in c. 230–200 BCE at Bactra under Euthydemus I.

What metal and weight is it?

Silver, weighing approximately ~16.8 g.

What designs appear on it?

Obverse: Realistic diademed portrait — among the finest of Hellenistic Asia. Reverse: Herakles seated on rock, holding club; legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΘΥΔΗΜΟΥ.

Related pieces

Silver

Greco-Bactrian Tetradrachm of Diodotus I

Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian)

c. 250 BCE

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

Silver

Early Seleucid Tetradrachm

Antiochos I Soter (Seleucid)

281–261 BCE

Anchor symbol referenced the Seleucid dynasty's founding legend.

Silver

Antiochus III "the Great" Tetradrachm

Antiochus III

222–187 BCE

Struck in massive quantities to fund eastern campaigns.

Silver

Antiochus IV Epiphanes Tetradrachm

Antiochus IV Epiphanes

175–164 BCE

The most ambitious Seleucid king after Antiochus III — his eastern campaigns took him deep into Iran where he died in 164 BCE near Tabae in Persis. His coinage is the high-water mark of Seleucid royal portraiture.

Silver

Antiochus VII Sidetes Drachm — Ecbatana

Antiochus VII Sidetes

138–129 BCE

Last Seleucid push east — Antiochus VII briefly recaptured Media from the Parthians in 130 BCE before dying in battle at Ecbatana, ending Seleucid presence on the Iranian plateau.

Silver

Mithradates I Tetradrachm

Mithradates I

171–138 BCE

First king to title himself 'Great King'.