Lot 3440

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.498 grams), Pella mint, issued 286/5-282/1 B.C., obv. head of Alexander to right, with diadem and horn of Ammon, within dotted circle, rev. Athena enthroned to left, supporting Nike, spear behind, HP monogram in outer left, KOT monogram at outer left, to right **BASILEWS*, to left **LUSIMAXOU*, (cf.S.6814, Thompson 248, M.-). With full flan, with trace of hoard corrosion on the obverse edge, otherwise very fine/good very fine and scarce.

By 285 BC, Pyrrhos' rule over the western portion of Macedon had become onerous to the population, and they called on Lysimachos for help. Lysimachos, a long time friend of the Macedonians, easily occupied the area and incorporated it into his growing kingdom. The historical mint in this region, Pella, was quickly converted to produce Lysimachos type coinage, and subsequently produced a significantly large output of both staters and tetradrachms. It remained a loyal subject until Lysimachos' death.