Lot 3607

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.14 g), Pella mint, issued 286-281 B.C., obv. head of deified Alexander to right, with diadem and horn of Ammon, within dotted circle, rev. Athena Nikephoros enthroned to left, supporting Nike, spear behind, K to left, monogram in exergue **DR* within **W*, to right **BASILEWS* downwards, to left **LUSIMACOU* downwards, (cf.S.6814, cf.Thompson 252, Meydancikkale -; Mektepini -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Berry -; SNG Delepierre -; cf.Muller 473 [uncertain], HGC 3.2, 1750p). Lightly toned, very fine/nearly extremely fine and very rare

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, eSale 100, October 27, 2004, (lot 29) with ticket.
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.