Sale: CNG 81, Lot: 225. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2009.  Sold For $809. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of THRACE. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.75 g, 12h). Magnesia mint. Struck circa 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, spear behind; filleted torch to outer left, monogram to inner left. Thompson 115. Good VF. Fine style portrait and interesting symbol.

Among the mints in Asia Minor which Lysimachos acquired through his military conquests in 302/1 BC, Magnesia was a fairly prolific issuer of coinage. In 287 BC, however, the city, along with its neighbor, Sardes, was captured by Demetrios I Poliorketes, only to be retaken by Lysimachos the following year. While Sardes was apparently closed throughout the remainder of Lysimachos’ reign, the mint at Magnesia was allowed to continue striking.