Eucratides I Megas AE Obol, Indo-Greek, Dioscuri, Bilingual, 171–160 BC

Eucratides I Megas, Obol, bronze, reign 171–145 BC, struck 171–160 BC, 10.61 g, 22 mm, Paropamisadai or Gandhara mint. Obverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ; diademed and draped bust of Eucratides right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear. Reverse: MAHARAJASA EVVKRATIDASA in Kharosthi; the Dioscuri on rearing horses right, each holding palm and couched spear. Struck on a broad square cast flan; bilingual Greek–Kharosthi issue typical of the Indo‑Greek bronze series; die axis about 6h. References: Bopearachchi Série 19; HGC 12, 146.

Eucratides I was the dominant ruler of Bactria in the mid‑2nd century BC and expanded control into the Paropamisadai and Gandhara. His bronze coinage adopts Indian square flans and Kharosthi legends alongside Greek types, documenting Greek administration over a multicultural region. The Dioscuri type emphasizes Hellenistic cavalry and protector deities, while the Kharosthi legend “maharajasa Evukratidasa” shows the use of the Indian royal title on Indo‑Greek issues, illustrating cross‑cultural governance and circulation across the Hindu Kush.