Artwork Page for Coin of Demetrios, I (reverse)

Details / Information for Coin of Demetrios, I (reverse)

Coin of Demetrios, I (reverse)

200–190 BCE

Afghanistan, Greco-Bactria, Demetrios I

(c. 200–180 BCE)
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Medium
silver
Measurements
Diameter: 3.3 cm (1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1999.318.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Demetrios I (222–180 BC) ruled the Indo-Greek kingdom of Bactria from 200 to 180 BC and minted this coin to commemorate his conquests over territories to the south, in present-day Pakistan. He linked his image on his coin to Alexander of Macedon (356–323 BC), who depicted himself with a lion scalp after his conquest of India; Demetrios substituted an elephant for the lion. On the reverse is Hercules, also identified with Alexander.
A circular, silver coin depicts a nude man standing centrally in relief. He holds a gnarled club and draped skin in his left hand, his right arm crooked over his head. Flanking the figure are columns of Greek text; "ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ" sits on our left above a monogram, while "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ" descends on our right. The smooth, metallic surface projects the figure forward from the disc's curved edge.

Coin of Demetrios, I (reverse)

200–190 BCE

Afghanistan, Greco-Bactria, Demetrios I (c. 200–180 BCE)

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