Early Imitations of Euthydemus I’s Tetradrachmas (230–200 BC)
Smirnova Natalia M.
There were two main lines of silver imitations reproducing the type of Euthydemus’ tetradrachmas and differing in monograms and the style of the king’s portrait (young or middle-aged). The great number of variants as well as long transformation into barbarian coinage caused regular and prolonged production of early imitations in Central Asia in the 2nd c. BC. At the same time several variants of early imitations differing from Euthydemus’ tetradrachmas in weight, legends and details of images were minted temporarily. The quality of those imitations depended on the capability of engravers who occasionally used prototypes dating to various periods. A great number of variants of early imitations were reproduced for local market while its wide-spread prototypes were falling out of circulation. Imitative coinage could have been provoked by Euthydemus himself as well because of preventive payments to the barbarians who had occupied the border region between Sogdiana and Bactria.