Catalog
| Issuer | Byzantion (Thrace) |
|---|---|
| Year | 150 BC - 120 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Attic drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 16.63 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Marinescu#592, Müller Lysimachus#200 |
| 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, BY on throne, ornamented 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 | 9528585218 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This tetradrachm, bearing Lysimachus's name and iconic types, was struck by Byzantion in Thrace between 150 and 120 BC, long after the Diadoch’s death. Such posthumous issues were common, leveraging the established trust and widespread acceptance of Lysimachus’s original coinage. Byzantion, a vital Bosphorus trading hub, issued these to facilitate commerce, underscoring Lysimachus's enduring economic imagery and the city's role in regional trade during shifting Hellenistic politics.
Artistry: The coin’s artistry reflects the late Hellenistic period, faithfully reproducing revered Lysimachean types. The obverse presents a masterful portrait of the deified Alexander the Great, featuring the distinctive ram’s horn of Ammon and a flowing diadem. While the engraver is anonymous, the style maintains the gravitas and idealized features of earlier masters. The reverse depicts Athena Nikephoros, seated on a throne, holding a small Nike and a spear, with a shield beside her. The inscription "BASILEOS LYSIMACHOU" frames this classic composition.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this substantial coin weighs 16.63 grams and measures 34 millimeters. For grading, key areas include Alexander’s portrait high-points: the hair over the forehead, diadem knot, and Ammon’s horn. On the reverse, examine Athena’s facial features, Nike’s details, and the drapery over Athena’s knee. A full, well-centered strike is desirable, though the large flan often results in minor flatness or off-centering, common for expansive ancient issues.