KINGDOM OF THRACE
LYSIMACHUS
323-281 B.C.

Silver tetradrachm
(17.16gm, 32mm diameter),
Lampsacus, circa 310-301 B.C.

Obverse: Diademed head of Alexander III the Great wearing the horn of Ammon.

Reverse: BASILEWS LUSIMACOU, Athena Nikephoros enthroned left, holding Nike, who crowns royal name, in extended right hand, left arm resting on shield with lion’s head device, transverse spear behind, monogram over crescent in inner left field.

References: Thompson 61. Paris 2545

Note: Good extremely fine+, toned

Private Collection

Lysimachus started issuing coinage making public his connection with Alexander the Great—from whom he had inherited Thrace upon his death, and of whom he was a close associate—in 306 B.C., after becoming an independent king and circulating his own money. The connection to Alexander was represented by a first portrait of the conqueror ever issued on a coin. This tetradrachm was issued at the Lampsacus mint, after the production of staters and drachms declined, due to the introduction of Lysimachus’ new coin type. The Lampsacus mint produced more than 110 different obverse dies for tetradrachms, and was the major mint until Ampipholis was conquered and took over the greater of Lysimachus’ coinage. This coin has a striking portrait of Alexander the Great, with the hair band, the snake-like hair, and the intense features, while the horns of Ammon indicate his divine paternity. A fine example of the Hellenistic style.