Lot 2855

Description

Thrace, Kingdom of, Lysimachos, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.67 g), Uncertain Mint, issued before 225 B.C., obv. head of Alexander to right, with diadem and horn of Ammon, with HM monogram below neck, dotted circle, rev. Athena enthroned to left, supporting Nike to left, shield at side with lion's head, HM monogram in inner left field, H**D* monogram in exergue, to right **BASILEWS*, to left **LUSIMAXOU*, (cf.S.6814, Thompson -, Muller -, Meydancikkale -, Armenak -, SNG Cop. -). Light grey tone with strong and high reliefs, a full flan, trace of mint bloom, about extremely fine apparently unique, this the only coin noted in Coin Archives.

Ex Freeman & Sear, Los Angeles, Mail Bid Sale 13, August 25 2006 (lot 144)^This coin apparently has a monogram under the bust of Alexander (previously not noticed) on the obverse and is probably a signature? of the engraver. The only other type with a letter in this spot on the obverse is the famous K tetradrachms from Pergamon. This issue is of a very fine style for the period c.250-225 B.C., and is worthy of being placed on the coin, similar position to those beautiful issues from the Pergamon mint, struck by the artist who simply signed his coinage with K.