KINGS OF THRACE. Lysimachos, 305-281 BC. Stater (Gold, 20 mm, 8.53 g, 3 h), Smyrna, circa 287/6-282/1. Diademed head of Alexander the Great to right with horn of Ammon over his ear. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - [ΛΥ]ΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena seated left, holding Nike, crowning the king's name, in her right hand and leaning with her left arm on undecorated shield; behind, transverse spear; in inner left field, turreted head of Tyche to left above Φ. Müller -. Thompson -, cf. 236 (differing position of symbol and letter). An unpublished variety of an extremely rare gold series, with a beautiful portrait struck in high relief. A few faint marks and the reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The gold coinage of Lysimachos at Smyrna is exceedingly rare, a fact that is all the more remarkable given the extensive silver issues of the mint. Our unpublished specimen displays a rather late style and was probably struck towards the end of Lysimachos’ reign, shortly before the veteran Diadoch met his end at the Battle of Koroupedion in 281 BC.