Lot 97
Bactria. Antimachos I, Theos, c. 174-165 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.93 g), Pushkalavati mint(?). Attic standard. Diademed and draped bust of Antimachos right, wearing kausia. Reverse: Poseidon standing, facing, holding long trident and palm with long ribbon, the filleted ends of his diadem draped about his shoulders; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY ANTIMAΧOY, monogram at lower right. Bopear. Sêrie 1A, 1-2; SNG ANS 274; MIG 124b; Rahman 173-174. Sculptural high relief portrait, beautifully struck on a generous flan. The obverse a splendid characterization of a somewhat heavy-featured, pragmatic man of advanced years. NGC graded Uncirculated.
The portraits of this enigmatic Bactrian ruler have often been considered by scholars and connoisseurs alike as being among the greatest numismatic portraits of antiquity. The bold yet simple forms of his accoutrements serve both as a compliment, as well as a counterpoint to the psychological complexities of his visage. His best portraits come in three variants -- two with smiles, one sometimes genial, the second more ironic. Less common is the one seen above, where the mood is subdued and clearly introspective.
Antimachos was unknown to modern historians until his coins were discovered in 1822. It is well known that the topographical extremes of the country presented the Graeco-Bactrian rulers with considerable obstacles to maintaining a unified, single-monarch ruled domain. Based on the evidence of his coinage, it seems that Antimachos held sway over the rich and populous plateau region of the north (modern day Afghanistan). In the south, below the Hindu Kush, the territories were maintained by either an associate, or subordinate, ruler by the name of Apollodotos.
As an ethnographic aside, the wool Pakol, the traditional cap/hat worn in Afghanistan has been determined by researchers to be the direct descendant of the ancient Greek kausia. The head covering is basically a cloth tube, closed on one end, with creased, integral brim and longish, band-like base. The wearer rolls the hat up from the base creating both the desired fit and style. Less apparent on the coins of homeland Greece depicting this type of head wear, but clearly seen on the above coin, is this rolled base, or "hem" of the cap.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
Ex Millennia Sale, Lot 64.
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| Realized $3,680 |
