Greco-Bactrian Eucratides I AR Obol, Dioscuri caps, 171–160 BC

Eucratides I, obol, silver; reigned 171–145 BC, struck 171–160 BC; 0.69 g; 11 mm. Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, Paropamisadai or Gandhara mint. Anepigraphic obverse with diademed and draped bust of Eucratides right within a bead border. Reverse legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ; caps (pilei) of the Dioskouroi, each with palm frond; monogram below. Struck on a compact Indian‑module flan with vertical legend in the fields. Bopearachchi 3F; HGC 12, 138.

This small silver fraction belongs to Eucratides’ eastern series issued after his advance across the Hindu Kush into Paropamisadai–Gandhara, documenting Greco‑Bactrian authority in northwestern South Asia during the mid‑2nd century BC. The Greek legend and royal portrait follow Hellenistic practice, while the Dioskouroi motif—frequent in Eucratides’ coinage and rooted in Macedonian tradition—provides a consistent type across his issues. The denomination reflects local circulation needs and the integration of Greek monetary systems into frontier economies.