BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Zoilos II, circa 50-40/35 BC. Drachm (Silver, 16 mm, 2.37 g, 12 h), citing Bhadrayasha. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΟΤΗΡΟC ZΩIΛOΥ Diademed and draped bust of Zoilos II to right. Rev. 'Maharajasa tratarasa Bhadrayashasa' ('of the Great King Bhadrayasha the Saviour' in Kharoshthi) Athena Promachos advancing left, holding shield on her left arm and brandishing thunderbolt with her right; to right, monogram. HGC 12, 474. Rare. Harshly cleaned, otherwise, good very fine.


This interesting bilingual issue cites Zoilos II together with Bhadrayasha, a native successor of Strato II and III in the Jammu area. Senior believed that Bhadrayasha was a local Indo-Scythian ruler from the city of Sakala (Sialkot), who reigned briefly in the vacuum between Strato III and Rajavula.