KINGS OF THRACE. Lysimachos, 305-281 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 33 mm, 16.79 g, 1 h), uncertain mint in northwestern Asia Minor, perhaps Assos, circa 188-160. Diademed head of Alexander the Great to right with horn of Ammon over his ear. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena seated left, holding Nike, crowning the king's name, in her right hand and leaning with her left arm on shield decorated with gorgoneion; on throne, volute; in exergue, winged thunderbolt. Lanz 158 (2014), 238 (same obverse die). Münzen & Medaillen 61 (1982), 89 (same dies). Müller -. SNG Copenhagen -. Extremely rare, perhaps the third known example. Nicely toned and attractive, an interesting issue. Slightly rough, otherwise, about extremely fine.


Exactly where this coin was struck is unclear: the large thunderbolt in the exergue appears on a small group of 2nd century tetradrachms in the name of Alexander from Assos (Price 1605-1606), but our coin does not bear the characteristic griffin symbol normally associated with this mint. On the other hand, it has to be pointed out that the style of the head of Herakles, in particular the eye area, the forehead and the anastolé, on the Price 1606 plate coin is very similar to the rendering of the head of Alexander on our Lysimachos, suggesting a product of the same artist.