BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II, circa 185-180 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 36 mm, 16.92 g, 12 h), Baktra. Diademed and draped bust of Euthydemos II to right. Rev. BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ - EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles, wearing wreath, standing facing, holding wreath in his right hand and club and lion skin in his left; in field to inner left, monogram. Bopearachchi 1C. HGC 12, 72. MIG 113d. SNG ANS 216. A wonderful example, boldly struck in high relief and perfectly centered on a very broad flan. Some faint deposits, otherwise, extremely fine.

Euthydemos II is known only from his impressive coinage. He was likely the son of Euthydemos I, a native of Magnesia (on the Maeander or on the Sipylos) in Ionia and ruler of Baktria around 225-200 BC, and the brother of Demetrios I (circa 200-185 BC). The Euthydemid dynasty closely associated itself with Herakles, who appears consistently on their silver coinage. On Euthydemos I’s issues, Herakles is depicted as a seated figure resting his club on his knee, while on his son's coins, he takes the form of a victorious athlete standing, holding a wreath and wearing another. This particular example is among the finest known, exceptionally well struck and perfectly centered on a broad, medallic flan