Indo-Greek Coin, Afghanistan, Bactria, 200–1 BCE
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
200–1 BCE
After Alexander of Macedon succeeded in conquering Egypt and Persia in 331 BC, his ambition to rule the known world led him further east across Bactria in Afghanistan, through the Hindu Kush mountain pass, and into India.
There he succeeded in defeating all the local kings of the region until his men, on the brink of mutiny, insisted that they return to Greece. Alexander left governors in charge of his territories, and after his death in 323 BC, his governors became independent kings, establishing Hellenistic cities and a Greek cultural base in the region, which lasted for almost 200 years. The posthumous portrait of Alexander on the front of this coin depicts him wearing the lion scalp.
He identified with Hercules, the mortal who became a god as a result of his superhuman feats, including the defeat of the Nemean lion. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2011.210: Indo-Greek Coin, c. 200–1 BCE. Afghanistan, Bactria. Silver; diameter: 3.2 x 0.5 cm (1 1/4 x 3/16 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- silver
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 3.2 x 0.5 cm (1 1/4 x 3/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 3.2 x 0.5 cm (1 1/4 x 3/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- silver
Identification
- Date recorded
- c. 200–1 BCE
- Culture period
- Afghanistan, Bactria
- Museum attribution
- Afghanistan, Bactria
- Museum object name
- Silver
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 2011.210
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and date against a specialist reference.