Catalog
| Issuer | Byzantion (Thrace) |
|---|---|
| Year | 150 BC - 120 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Gold Stater (20) |
| Currency | Attic drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.5 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Marinescu#509 |
| Obverse description | Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; monogram to inner left, ΒΥ below throne, ornate trident in exergue |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ ΒΥ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | Byzantion, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey |
| Mintage | ND (150 BC - 120 BC) |
| Numisquare ID | 2865748515 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This gold stater, struck by Byzantion between 150 and 120 BC, is a posthumous issue bearing the types of Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's diadochi. Though Lysimachus died in 281 BC, his coinage standard and iconic designs remained widely accepted in the Hellenistic world. Byzantion, a crucial trade hub on the Bosporus, issued these staters to facilitate international commerce, leveraging the established trust in Lysimachus's name for economic stability and prestige during a period of shifting regional powers.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres closely to the original Lysimachean prototypes, reflecting the Hellenistic artistic tradition. The obverse features a masterful portrait of the deified Alexander the Great, distinguished by the ram's horn of Ammon, symbolizing his divine lineage. The reverse depicts Athena enthroned, holding a small Nike and a spear, with a shield resting against her throne. While the engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic execution aims for a classical ideal, characterized by refined details and a balanced composition, typical of major Hellenistic mints.
Technical/Grading: Struck in 8.5 grams of gold with a 20 mm diameter, this stater’s high-points include the intricate curls of Alexander's hair, his facial features, and the ram's horn. On the reverse, key areas for assessment are Athena's helmet crest, drapery folds, the small figure of Nike, and the clarity of the legend and mint marks. A well-struck example will exhibit full detail on these elements, with good centering and minimal die wear, indicative of Byzantion's capable minting operations.