Lot 4092

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.22 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, kerykeion (caduceus with handle to left) in inner left, EY monogram outer right, to right **BASILEWS*, to left **LUSIMACOU*, (cf.S.6814, Thompson 195, M.106, HGC 3.2, 1750l). Light grey patination, nearly extremely fine and very scarce.

Ex CNG Mail Bid Sale 81, May 20, 2009 (lot 238) with auction ticket.
Of the finest style. Similar examples in the Meydancikkale Hoard No. 2669-2671 (p.125, Pl.78), and the Armenak Hoard No.906-909 (p.86).

In 288 BC, Lysimachos and Pyrrhos of Epiros launched a successful joint invasion of Macedon, which was then held by Demetrios I Poliorketes, and split 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. (Courtesy of CNG).