Tetradrachm - Lysimachos Ainos

İhraççı Kings of Thrace
Yıl 280 BC
Tür Standard circulation coin
Değer Tetradrachm (4)
Para birimi Drachm
Bileşim Silver
Ağırlık 16.93 g
Çap
Kalınlık
Şekil Round (irregular)
Teknik Hammered
Yönlendirme
Gravürcü(ler)
Dolaşımda olduğu yıl
Referans(lar)
Ön yüz açıklaması Diademed head of Alexander the Great to right with horn of Ammon over his ear
Ön yüz yazısı
Ön yüz lejandı
Arka yüz açıklaması Athena seated left on throne, resting her left elbow on her shield and holding Nike in her outstretched right hand. To left, herm and in exergue, two monograms
Arka yüz yazısı Greek
Arka yüz lejandı ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ
Kenar
Darphane
Basma adedi ND (-280) - -
Numisquare Kimliği 2475101490
Ek bilgiler

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, struck around 280 BC, represents the enduring legacy of Lysimachos, one of Alexander the Great's most prominent Diadochi. Having established a powerful kingdom in Thrace and parts of Asia Minor, Lysimachos's coinage served as a crucial instrument of his authority and propaganda. While Lysimachos himself perished in 281 BC at the Battle of Corupedium, his distinctive coin types, particularly the idealized portrait of Alexander, continued to be struck posthumously by various mints, including Ainos, for several decades. This practice underscored the widespread recognition and stability associated with his currency, even as new rulers vied for control in the volatile Hellenistic world.

Artistry: The obverse of this tetradrachm features a masterful depiction of the deified Alexander the Great, wearing a royal diadem and the ram's horn of Ammon-Zeus. This iconic portrait, often attributed to Lysimachos's court artists, embodies the peak of early Hellenistic portraiture, blending idealized beauty with a sense of divine power. The reverse typically portrays Athena Nikephoros, seated on a throne, holding a figure of Nike and resting her arm on a shield. The inscription "BASILEWS LYSIMAXOY" (of King Lysimachos) reinforces the posthumous attribution, while specific monograms or symbols identify the mint of Ainos, demonstrating the continued reverence for Lysimachos's established numismatic iconography.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, collectors seek a strong strike on the obverse, particularly in Alexander's facial features, diadem, and the intricate details of his hair and ram's horn. On the reverse, clarity in Athena's drapery, her facial expression, and the small figure of Nike are critical high-points. Well-centered examples with minimal die wear and a lustrous flan are highly prized. The weight of 16.93 grams is consistent with the standard Attic tetradrachm, indicating good metal purity and careful production. Any evidence of weakness in the strike or significant die breaks would impact the overall technical grade.

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