Catalogo
| Emittente | Odessos (Thrace) |
|---|---|
| Anno | 225 BC - 200 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Gold Stater (20) |
| Valuta | Attic drachm |
| Composizione | Gold |
| Peso | 8.39 g |
| Diametro | 20 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Müller Lysimachus#237, AMNG I-I#2119, Topalov Odessos#22, HGC 3.2#1583, Westmoreland#73 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Athena seated left on throne, resting her left arm on shield and holding Nike in her outstretched right hand, transverse spear in background; civic monogram to inner left, KOI in exergue. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY KOI |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | Odessus, Thrace, modern-day Varna, Bulgaria |
| Tiratura | ND (225 BC - 200 BC) |
| ID Numisquare | 1097337743 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This gold stater, struck by Odessos in Thrace (225-200 BC), is a posthumous issue bearing the name and iconic imagery of Lysimachus. A diadochus of Alexander the Great, Lysimachus ruled a kingdom encompassing Thrace. Despite his death in 281 BC, the immense prestige and reliability of his gold stater types led many successor cities, including Odessos, to continue striking them for international trade, extending his numismatic legacy well into the Hellenistic period.
Artistry: The stater's design adheres to the established Lysimachan prototype, a hallmark of Hellenistic numismatic artistry. The obverse depicts the deified head of Alexander the Great, wearing a royal diadem and the ram's horn of Ammon, linking him to divine authority. While the engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school reflects the refined naturalism and monumental quality of late Classical and Hellenistic art. The reverse features Athena enthroned, holding Nike and resting on a shield, symbolizing victory and protection.
Technical/Grading: Gold staters of this type, weighing 8.39 grams and measuring 20 mm, typically exhibit excellent strike quality. Key high-points for preservation on the obverse include Alexander’s hair, the diadem, and the ram’s horn. On the reverse, attention is drawn to Athena’s facial features, her helmet crest, and the delicate figure of Nike. While centering can vary, well-preserved examples show full devices and legends, demonstrating the meticulous craftsmanship of the Odessan mint.