LOCAL ISSUES, Sogdiana. Bukhara. Circa 1st century BC or somewhat later. Tetradrachm (Silver, 27 mm, 9.71 g, 1 h), imitating Euthydemos I of Baktria (225-220 BC). Parthian-style head of a king to right, wearing diademed and radiate headdress with long locks. Rev. 'mlk' y...' (in blundered Aramaic) Deformed figure of Herakles seated left on trapezoid seat decorated with three pellets, holding club set on his right knee in his right hand and leaning left on seat. Alram 1228. HGC 12, p. 189 var. (shape of seat). MIG 494. Senior A18.5T var. (shape of seat). Rare. A beautifully toned and unusually attractive example. Good very fine.

This impressive coin was likely minted in Bukhara, in Sogdiana. Its obverse draws on Parthian prototypes, while the reverse adopts the seated Herakles design from Euthydemos I. It thus attests to the enduring influence of Hellenistic iconography in Central Asia, long after the Greek-speaking kings had been overthrown