Obol of Demetrios of Baktria c. 205

Curator: Here we have an obol minted during the reign of Demetrios I of Baktria, a ruler of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Editor: The striking silver immediately grabs my attention. It’s small, yet the intricate details feel monumental. Curator: Indeed. The obverse shows Demetrios wearing an elephant scalp, a symbol of his conquests in India, while the reverse likely depicts Herakles. This merging of Greek and Indian symbolism speaks volumes about the cultural hybridity of the region. Editor: It is fascinating how a simple trade object transcends its use value. The labor involved in the minting process, the choice of silver, and its potential circulation routes all tell a story of production and exchange. How would this have impacted society? Curator: It highlights the power dynamics inherent in Hellenistic rule, the blend of cultures, and the individual figure of Demetrios. Editor: Precisely. It's humbling to think about the coin's journey through time. Curator: Absolutely. Its value, both monetary and symbolic, remains complex and rich.