Tetradrachm In the name of Lysimachus

İhraççı Byzantion (Thrace)
Yıl 150 BC - 120 BC
Tür Standard circulation coin
Değer Tetradrachm (4)
Para birimi Attic drachm
Bileşim Silver
Ağırlık 16.8 g
Çap 34 mm
Kalınlık
Şekil Round (irregular)
Teknik Hammered
Yönlendirme Variable alignment ↺
Gravürcü(ler)
Dolaşımda olduğu yıl
Referans(lar) Marinescu#454, Müller Lysimachus#231, BostonMFA#845, Warren#530
Ön yüz açıklaması Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon.
Ön yüz yazısı
Ön yüz lejandı
Arka yüz açıklaması Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; monogram to inner left, BY on throne, ornamented trident in exergue.
Arka yüz yazısı Greek
Arka yüz lejandı ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ
ΒΥ
Kenar
Darphane Byzantion, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey
Basma adedi ND (150 BC - 120 BC)
Numisquare Kimliği 9837622112
Ek bilgiler

Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, issued by Byzantion (150-120 BC), is a posthumous coinage in the name of Lysimachus, a diadoch of Alexander the Great. Despite Lysimachus's death in 281 BC, his coinage types, especially the Alexander portrait, remained widely trusted international currency. Byzantion, a crucial Thracian city controlling the Bosporus, leveraged this standard to facilitate trade during increasing Roman influence. These issues reflect Byzantion's economic stability and strategic importance.

Artistry: The obverse features the deified head of Alexander the Great, right, with a diadem and ram's horn of Ammon, symbolizing divine parentage. This design, originating during Lysimachus's reign, exemplifies high Hellenistic artistic tradition and idealized portraiture. While the specific engraver for this Byzantion issue is unknown, its stylistic execution often shows local variations within the broader Hellenistic aesthetic. The reverse depicts Athena Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike and a spear, with her elbow resting on a shield—a common, powerful motif.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 16.8 grams with a 34 mm diameter, this tetradrachm maintains robust specifications. Key high-points susceptible to wear include Alexander's hair, diadem, and ram's horn on the obverse, and Athena's knee, breast, and the Nike figure on the reverse. A premium example exhibits a strong, well-centered strike with full details on both sides, particularly Alexander's portrait and Athena's drapery. Clarity of legends and Byzantion's specific monograms is crucial for assessing strike quality.

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