Coin of Eukratides I

170–145 BC

Coin of Eukratides I, 170–145 BC. Afghanistan, Bactria, c. 2nd century BC. Silver; diameter: 3.3 x 0.5 cm (1 5/16 x 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski 2011.211.b The twins Castor and Pollux were known as the Diosuroi in Greek mythology, and they were the children of Zeus and Leda. Together they also form the constellation Gemini. They frequently appeared on the reverse sides of Greek coinage, riding horses and holding spears, as they do on this Indo-Greek coin from the Hellenistic kingdom of Bactria.