Tetradrachm In the name of Lysimachus

Đơn vị phát hành Byzantion (Thrace)
Năm 80 BC - 70 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Attic drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 15.35 g
Đường kính 35 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Müller Lysimachus#192, SNG Stancomb#8, HGC 3.2#1402
Mô tả mặt trước Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Athena seated left, holding Nike, crowning the king's name, in her right hand and leaning with her left arm on shield, transverse spear in background; monogram to inner left, BY on throne, ornamented trident in exergue.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ
BY
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc Byzantion, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey
Số lượng đúc ND (80 BC - 70 BC)
ID Numisquare 4191632171
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, struck by Byzantion between 80 and 70 BC, represents a fascinating continuation of a widely recognized currency type long after Lysimachus's death (d. 281 BC). Issued in his name, it underscores the enduring economic power and trust associated with his coinage across the Hellenistic world. Byzantion, a vital Thracian city, maintained its strategic importance and economic autonomy during increasing Roman influence, utilizing a familiar and stable currency for regional trade.

Artistry: The coin's design adheres faithfully to the established Lysimachian prototype, a testament to its iconic status. The obverse features the deified head of Alexander the Great, depicted with the ram's horn of Ammon, a powerful symbol of divine authority. The reverse presents Athena enthroned, holding a figure of Nike, with a shield beside her. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the execution reflects skilled Hellenistic die-engraving, capturing idealized features and intricate details of the iconography, often with local monograms.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial silver flan measuring 35mm and weighing 15.35 grams, this tetradrachm typically exhibits a broad and impressive strike, allowing for full design depiction. High-points on the obverse include Alexander's hair, diadem, and ram's horn; on the reverse, Athena's helmet, knee, and Nike's wings are often the first areas to show wear. The large flan size frequently ensures a well-centered strike, with strong metal flow contributing to crisp relief, though minor die wear or striking anomalies are possible.

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