Persian Treasury
Ruler

Coinage of Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian)

1 catalogued issue of Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) — metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions with references.

In short

Diodotus I (c. 250 BCE) was the Seleucid satrap of Bactria who declared independence and founded the Greco-Bactrian kingdom, putting his own name on gold and silver in place of the Seleucid king's. Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 250 BCE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Bactra.

Catalogued
1
Eras
1
Metals
1
Denominations
2

Key facts

Key facts about Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) in the Persian Treasury catalogue
Catalogued pieces1
Date range250 BCE
Eras representedSeleucid Persia
MetalsSilver
DenominationsDrachm, Tetradrachm
MintsBactra
Datec. 250 BCE
RegionBactria, northern Afghanistan
Reverse typeZeus hurling thunderbolt
SignificanceFounds the Greco-Bactrian kingdom

Secession in coin

The break is documented numismatically before it is documented in any text: issues first keep Antiochus's name with a new Zeus-hurling-thunderbolt reverse, then substitute Diodotus's own name. A coin sequence records a declaration of independence.

Bactria's wealth — irrigated agriculture, control of routes to India and China — made the secession viable and funded a substantial coinage.

The Zeus type

The striding Zeus with aegis and thunderbolt becomes the founding badge of Greco-Bactrian kingship and continues under his successors.

Diodotid gold staters are rare and expensive; silver tetradrachms are the realistic collecting target, with a market that scrutinises provenance closely.

Seleucid Persia · 312 – 141 BCE

Era overview →

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.

Frequently asked about Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian)

How do we know when Bactria became independent?
Largely from the coins: issues shift from Antiochus's name with a new Zeus reverse to Diodotus's own name, tracking the secession step by step.
Are Diodotus coins rare?
Gold is rare and costly; silver tetradrachms appear regularly but are firmly in the upper price tier of Greco-Bactrian coinage.
What coins did Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) issue?
Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 250 BCE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Bactra.
How many Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
1 item, dated 250 BCE, spread across 1 era: Seleucid Persia.
Which metals were used for Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) coinage?
Silver. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
Which denominations are associated with Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian)?
Drachm, Tetradrachm. Every denomination has its own reference page with dated examples.
Where were Diodotus I (Greco-Bactrian) coins minted?
Recorded mints include Bactra.

Explore related hubs

Denominations here

Metals here