Stater - Lysimachos Odessos

Historical Context: This Stater, issued by Lysimachos, King of Thrace (323-281 BC), encapsulates a pivotal era following the death of Alexander the Great. As one of Alexander's most powerful Diadochi, Lysimachos established a vast kingdom, and his coinage served as a crucial instrument of political legitimacy and economic stability across his territories. Minted in Odessos, a significant Black Sea port, these gold staters facilitated trade and propaganda, asserting Lysimachos's claim to Alexander's legacy and divine right to rule.

Artistry: The coin's design adheres to the established Hellenistic aesthetic of the early Diadochi period. The obverse features a deified portrait of Alexander the Great, depicted with the ram's horn of Ammon, a powerful symbol of his divine lineage and universal kingship. The reverse displays Athena Nikephoros, seated, holding Nike, with a shield and spear. While specific engravers remain largely anonymous, the dies exhibit a high degree of artistic skill, characteristic of the period's master die-cutters, reflecting a blend of classical idealism and emerging Hellenistic naturalism.

Technical/Grading: This gold stater, weighing 8.43 grams and measuring 19 mm, exhibits standard specifications for the type. Key high-points susceptible to wear or weak strike include Alexander's hair details, the ram's horn, Athena's face, and the fine lines of her drapery. A well-struck example will show full detail on these elements, often with a robust strike and good centering on a broad flan. Minor die wear or subtle planchet irregularities are common but do not detract from the overall quality of a well-preserved specimen.