Antimachos II, 174-165 BC, Drachm

Antimachos II Nikephoros, Drachm, AR, circa 174–165 BC; 2.30 g, 18 mm. Uncertain mint. Obverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ NIKHΦOΡOΥ ANTIMAXOΥ surrounding a diademed bust of Antimachos right. Reverse: Maharajasa jayadharasa Amtimakasa in Kharosthi (Great King Antimachos the Victory-Bearer). Bilingual issue, struck on a compact flan typical of the Indo-Greek drachm fabric. Ref: SNG ANS 399–408.

Antimachos II ruled part of the Indo-Greek realm in the mid-2nd century BC, and his bilingual silver drachms are primary evidence for Hellenistic authority in northwestern South Asia. The Greek legend and its direct Kharosthi translation (“jayadharasa” mirroring “Nikephoros”) reflect administration aimed at both Greek and local audiences, illustrating the integration of Hellenistic and Indian epigraphic traditions and the circulation of Greek-style coinage in regions using the Kharosthi script.