Lot 4003

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.40 g), Amphipolis mint, issued 288/7-282/1 B.C., obv. head of Alexander to right, with diadem and horn of Ammon, within dotted circle, rev. Athena Nikephoros enthroned to left, supporting Nike, spear behind, **DI* monogram to left, XAE monogram in exergue, to right **BASILEWS*, to left **LUSIMAXOU*, (cf.S.6814, Thompson 213, cf.CNG Electronic Auction 211 (lot 184), Armenak -, M.-). Bright with surface marks, nearly very fine/very fine and rare.

Ex Freeman & Sear in 2003 with their ticket.

In 288 BC, Lysimachos and Pyrrhos of Epiros launched a joint invasion of Macedon, which was then held by Demetrios I Poliorketes, and divided the country between themselves. Lysimachos controlled the eastern half, containing the strategically important mint of Amphipolis, which soon became his principal mint for tetradrachms. The output of the mint was huge, with many new issues still being discovered today. It remained under his control until his death in 281 BC.