Oxycrates

Oxycrates was a Bactrian Greek official who served under King Eucratides I in the 2nd century BCE. He is primarily known from a single coin, a gold stater featuring a portrait of Eucratides on the obverse and the inscription "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ" (BASILEOS EUKRATIDOU, "of King Eucratides") along with the inscription "ΟΞΥΚΡΑΤΗΣ" (OXYKRATES) on the reverse. The precise role of Oxycrates is debated among numismatists and historians.

The presence of his name on a coin suggests a position of significant authority. Several theories exist:

• Military Governor: Oxycrates may have been a military governor of a specific territory within the Bactrian kingdom. The gold stater could represent a reward or payment issued to troops under his command.
• Mint Official: He could have been the official responsible for the mint that produced the coin. His name on the coin would then represent a guarantee of its quality and authenticity.
• Possible Relative: Some scholars have suggested that Oxycrates might have been a relative of Eucratides, possibly even a son, although no other evidence supports this claim. The presence of his name alongside the king's on such a valuable coin might indicate a close familial tie.

The rarity of coins bearing Oxycrates' name makes it difficult to definitively determine his exact position and importance within the Bactrian Greek kingdom. Further archaeological discoveries or textual evidence would be needed to shed more light on his role. His existence is primarily documented through this single numismatic find.