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Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm, Real Portrait of Alexander the Great, 297-281 BC

1,150.00 AUD

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Origin: Kingdom of Thrace, Byzantion mint
Authority: Lysimachos, King of Thrace and former General to Alexander the Great
Denomination: AR Tetradrachm
Composition: Silver
Date: 297-281 BC
Obverse: Diademed head of the deified Alexander the Great right wearing horn of Ammon
Reverse: Athena enthroned left holding Nike and resting left arm on shield; transverse spear resting against her right side; monogram in inner left field; on right, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ('King'); on left, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ ('of Lysimachos'), crowned by the Nike
Size: 29.24mm, 16.2g, 12h
Grade: Choice VF, well centred, boldly struck with high relief, fine style, some porosity
Provenance: ex Athena Numismatics
References: Seyrig, Essays Stanley Robinson, pl.23, 2 (same dies); Classical Numismatic Group eAuction 150, Lot 24 (same dies); Meydancikkale 2700 var. (slightly different monogram, same obverse die); SGCV II, 6814 var. (different monograms); Thompson -; Müller -; Armenak -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Alpha Bank -; SNG Berry -
General: The tetradrachms of Lysimachos are some of the few ancient coins to undisputedly feature a 'real' portrait of Alexander the Great and give us insight into how he may have appeared in life. Most coins of Alexander the Great represent the legendary figure in the form of Hercules (Herakles). Lysimachos was one of the most successful successors of Alexander. Born in 361 or 365 BC, his father was a close friend of King Phillip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. A bodyguard and General to Alexander the Great, Lysimachos later became the King of Thrace. He married three times. His third wife was the Ptolemaic Greek Princess Arsinoe II. Lysimachos died in battle in the Battle of Corupedium, the last battle between the rival successors to Alexander the Great. His body was discovered a few days later, being protected by his faithful dog.
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All references used by Ancient Coin Traders

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm, Real Portrait of Alexander the Great, 297-281 BC
Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos, 306-281BC, AE18, struck c. 320-315 BC