Khemiobol of Yevkratid

This silver hemiobol (half obol), minted during the reign of Eucratides in the 2nd century BCE, is a significant example of Greco-Bactrian coinage. Eucratides was one of the most powerful and militarily active rulers in Greco-Bactrian history, and his coins served as symbols of political authority, cultural heritage, and economic stability. Hemiobols were small-denomination coins widely used in local trade. Measuring 22 × 22 mm, this coin reflects the technical skill and aesthetic refinement of its era through its metal composition, striking style, and epigraphic decorations. The coin typically features the ruler’s portrait, Greek inscriptions, and symbolic motifs, highlighting the distinctiveness of Greco-Bactrian art. The Eucratides hemiobol is an invaluable source for studying ancient numismatics, Hellenistic political structures, and cultural interactions, offering insights into the economic system and symbols of rulership in the pre-Christian world.