Lot 2994

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.10 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 enthroned to left, supporting Nike, spear behind, caduceus with handle to left, AI monogram outer right, to right **BASILEWS*, to left **LUSIMACOU*, (cf.S.6814, Thompson 198, cf.SNG Berry 419, cf.Boston 836, cf.SNG Cop. 1114, M.107). Nearly extremely fine, of finest style, rare.

Ex Freeman & Sear, Auction Sale 7, February 22, 2002, (lot 287).
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).