Catalogo
| Emittente | Kings of Thrace |
|---|---|
| Anno | 260 BC - 245 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Gold Stater (20) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Gold |
| Peso | 8.47 g |
| Diametro | |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i |
| Descrizione del dritto | Diademed head of Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon over his ear |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Athena seated left on throne, holding Nike in her right hand, transverse spear in her left and resting her left elbow on shield by her side. To left, uncertain monogram |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio | ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (260 BC - 245 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 9042542210 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This Stater, issued by Byzantion between 260 BC and 245 BC, is a posthumous emission perpetuating the highly influential coinage of Lysimachos, one of Alexander the Great's Diadochi. Though Lysimachos perished in 281 BC, his gold staters, featuring the deified Alexander, remained a crucial currency across the Hellenistic world. Byzantion, a strategically vital city on the Thracian Bosphorus, continued striking these types, not only for economic stability but also to align itself with the enduring legacy and widespread acceptance of Alexander's image, underscoring its role as a significant commercial hub in a period of shifting political landscapes among the successor kingdoms.
Artistry: The obverse of this stater presents a masterfully rendered, idealized portrait of Alexander the Great, deified with the ram's horn of Ammon and adorned with a royal diadem. This iconic image, characteristic of the Hellenistic stylistic school, captures both the divine and regal aspects of the conqueror. The reverse depicts Athena enthroned, holding a small Nike (goddess of victory) and resting a spear against her shield. The artistry, while not attributable to a specific engraver, reflects the high standards of numismatic production during the period, with intricate detailing in Athena's drapery and the miniature Nike, all within the established Lysimachean iconography.
Technical/Grading: Struck in gold to a consistent weight of 8.47 grams, this stater exemplifies the precision of Hellenistic minting. Key high-points for strike quality include the intricate curls of Alexander's hair, the details of his facial features, and the crispness of the diadem on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas for assessment are Athena's face, the folds of her chiton, the delicate wings of Nike, and the distinctness of the spear and shield details. While ancient striking often resulted in minor off-centering or areas of weakness, a well-preserved example will exhibit strong relief and clarity across these principal design elements.