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  [Image]                              Item Sold At Auction #17
                                  -----------------------------------
                 Web Product ID: 3675
                 Estimate: $200.00
                 Final Sale Price: $154.00
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                 Denomination: Double Unit
                 Grade: VF
                 Reference: Bopearachchi Série 5B; MIG 1147a




  Baktria, Graeco-Baktrian Kings. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-170 BC. Cupro-Nickel Double
  Unit (5.35 gm). Wreathed head of Dionysus; thrysos behind / BASILEWS/AGAQOKLES,
  panther standing right; grape vine before. Bopearachchi Série 5B; MIG 1147a. VF,
  usual porous surfaces, thin gouges on reverse. Rare. Estimate $200.



  The only substantially nickel coinage of antiquity was struck by the Baktrian kings
  Euthydemos II, Agathokles and Pantaleon. This new alloy was not successful as the
  Greek furnaces could not handle the very hard nickel with its high melting point, and
  the surfaces of the coins are usually pitted and corroded where the metals did not
  mix properly.


Used by permission of CNG, www.historicalcoins.com