Lot 2672

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.05 g), Pella mint, issued 286-281 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, K to left, monogram in exergue **WN*, to right **BASILEWS* downwards, to left **LUSIMAXOU* downwards, (cf.S.6814, Thompson 252). Lightly toned, minor obverse die shift, a few marks, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Sale 81, May 20, 2009, (lot 254).
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.