Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian coins (200 BC-20 AD) Bronze dichalkous, Apollodotos II (c.80-65 BC), Indo-Greek Kingdom

Apollo standing right, quiver at shoulder, holding arrows; bow resting on ground; Greek legend around, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΑΠΟΛΛΟΔΟΤΟΥ. Rev. Tripod-lebes; Kharoshthi legend Maharajasa Tratarasa Apaladatasa (“Of the Saviour King Apollodotos”). 15mmx16mm, 4.16 grams. Mitchiner, Indogreek 427a; Bopearachchi 17A. Hoover HGC 405; Paris L3604.

Apollodotos II (c. 80–65 BCE) was an Indo-Greek king who ruled in Gandhara and the eastern Punjab, probably including Taxila, during a period of increasing Indo-Scythian expansion. He appears to have restored or strengthened Indo-Greek authority in parts of the Punjab after earlier Saka advances. His abundant bilingual coinage bears Greek and Kharoṣṭhī legends, with silver issues typically showing his diademed portrait and Athena Alkidemos, while bronze denominations employ a variety of Greek and Indian motifs. Apollodotos II was one of the more important late Indo-Greek rulers, although after his reign Greek power in the northwest became increasingly fragmented under pressure from Indo-Scythian dynasties.

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