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.

(Spink & Son, Ltd., London, England, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Tetradrachm Coin of Demetrios I

Afghanistan, Bactria, Indo-Greek

Description