4781
                 [Homebutton][Shopping Header]

  [Image]                              Item Sold At Auction #23
                                  -----------------------------------
                 Lot Number: 61672
                 Estimate: $100.00
                 Final Sale Price: $132.00
                                  -----------------------------------
                 Denomination: Double Unit
                 Grade: Good VF nearly as found
                 Reference: Bopearachchi Série 6C; MIG 118b




  Baktria, Graeco-Baktrian Kings. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. Cupro-Nickel Double
  Unit (7.99 gm). Laureate head of Apollo / Tripod; monogram to left. Bopearachchi
  Série 6C; MIG 118b. Good VF, encrusted surfaces. Rare. Estimate $100.



  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