Greco-Bactrian Eucratides I AR Drachm 171–145 BC Dioscuri

Eucratides I, Drachm, Silver, reign 171–145 BC, struck c. 171–145 BC, 4.20 g, 21 mm. Uncertain mint, Greco‑Bactrian Kingdom. Anepigraphic obverse with diademed and draped bust of Eucratides right, wearing crested helmet with bull’s horn and ear; border of dots. Reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΥKΡATIΔOΥ; the Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, each holding a couched spear; monogram below; dotted border. Struck on a broad flan and well centered; die axis 6h. Rare. Reference: Bopearachchi Série 6, 47. Historical significance: Eucratides I ruled Bactria during the mid‑2nd century BC after seizing power from the Euthydemids, conducting campaigns against Parthia and Indo‑Greek rivals and extending control into parts of northwestern India. His silver coinage on the Attic standard circulated widely across Central Asia. The helmeted royal portrait and the Dioskouroi motif draw on Macedonian traditions and became characteristic types for his dynasty and several later Indo‑Greek rulers. His assassination was followed by fragmentation of the Greco‑Bactrian Kingdom.