Description
The Diadochi of Alexander’s Empire, the Kings of Thrace, Lysimachus, as King of Thrace, Asia Minor, and Macedon, Silver Tetradrachm (17.12g, 31mm, Attic Standard), Ephesus mint, 294-287 BC. Obverse: Diademed Head of the Deified King Alexander III of Macedon facing to the right, wearing the Horn of Ammon. Reverse: Athena Nikephoros seated facing to the left, her round shield, which bears the head of Medusa, rests against her throne and transverse spear rests behind; horizontal Bee to inner left field, uncertain monogram below throne, “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ” to right, “ΛΥΣΙMΑXOY” to left. Thompson 166; Müller 426 var. (monogram). Very well centred and evenly worn – quite an attractive tetradrachm of Lysimachus in a modest, affordable grade, pleasantly toned with some underlying amber hues around the devices, Very Fine.
The Reverse Greek legend reads “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙMΑXOY”, with an English translation of “King Lysimachus” – the central figure is an interpretation of Athena, the Ancient Greek God of wisdom and war, holding Nike, the God of Victory – the portrayal of the two deities together is referred to as ‘Athena Nikephoros’ or Athena the Victor. During the turbulent socio-political period following the Wars of the Diadochi, the concepts of wisdom and victory were vital in solidifying one’s legitimacy as a Hellenistic King and inheritor of Alexander III’s vast empire.
