New Evidence for Chronology at Kalchedon

CNG 96, Lot: 377. Estimate $750. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BITHYNIA, Kalchedon. Mid 220s BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.81 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, spear behind; AB monogram to inner left, K on throne, grain ear in exergue. Marinescu Issue 41 var. (O35/R88, before re-engraving [unlisted as such]); Müller –; Seyrig, Monnaies 23 = Mektipini 153 (same rev. die, re-engraved with new monogram). Good VF, slight die shift on obverse. Apparently unique variety.

This interesting piece provides a new piece of evidence for the chronology of the Lysimachi at Kalchedon. Marinescu placed Issue 41, with AB monogram, as the last issue in Group III, before Group IV where the spiral ornament on the throne was replaced with a K. This coin, which has both the AB monogram and the K, shows that this issue actually bridges the two groups. This connection is strengthened by the fact that the reverse die used here was subsequently re-engraved with a new monogram that was used on other reverse dies that were part of Group IV (Issue 43). Thus, Marinescu’s Issue 41 is partly the last issue of Group III and the first of Group IV, while his Issue 43 probably immediately follows, preceding his Issue 42.