Catalogo
| Emittente | Byzantion (Thrace) |
|---|---|
| Anno | 150 BC - 120 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Attic drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 16.87 g |
| Diametro | 34 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Marinescu#533, Müller Lysimachus#160, HGC 3.2#1402, Pozzi-Boutin#2651 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; monogram to inner left, BY on throne, ornamented trident in exergue. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ ΒΥ |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | Byzantion, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey |
| Tiratura | ND (150 BC - 120 BC) |
| ID Numisquare | 7624768622 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued by Byzantion (150-120 BC), is a posthumous coinage, long after Lysimachus's death (360-281 BC). Lysimachus, a Diadoch of Alexander the Great, ruled Thrace, and his coin types became a widely recognized currency standard across the Hellenistic world. Byzantion, a crucial trade hub, adopted this established type to facilitate international commerce, demonstrating the enduring economic influence and symbolic power of Lysimachus's legacy.
Artistry: The coin adheres to the iconic Lysimachean design, a testament to its enduring appeal. The obverse features the deified head of Alexander the Great, depicted with the horn of Ammon, a powerful symbol of divine kingship. This portrayal, often assimilated with Lysimachus, showcases the late Hellenistic artistic style, characterized by idealized yet robust rendering. The reverse displays Athena Nikephoros, seated left, holding Nike and a spear, her arm resting on a shield. Byzantion's mints generally maintained high fidelity to the original prototypes.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to 16.87 grams and 34 mm, this tetradrachm maintains the established Attic standard. Key high-points for evaluation include the intricate details of Alexander's hair and diadem on the obverse, and on the reverse, Athena's helmet, the figure of Nike, and the shield's ornamentation. Strike qualities from Byzantion are generally good, though minor off-centering or slight flatness on highest relief areas (e.g., Alexander's ear or Athena's breast) due to die wear or insufficient striking pressure can occur. Metal quality is usually fine.