KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.91 g, 12h). Lysimacheia mint(?). Struck early-mid 3rd century BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, spear diagonally in background; to inner left, head of lion left above monogram; monogram in exergue. Thompson –; Müller –; Meydancikkale 2687 var. (control marks, but same obv. die). Attractive light toning, traces of die wear, small patch of find patina on obverse. Choice EF. Well centered on a broad flan. Fine style, with excellent detail.
Meydancikkale placed their coin at Pella, based on a loose association of the control marks with that of Thompson 255. However, C. Marinescu has conclusively reattributed that issue to Byzantion, based on a distinct portrait style that links a number of the early Byzantion series, which is significantly different from the style found here. In contrast, the control markings and portrait style are similar to a number of coins that Seyrig placed under posthumous issues at Lysimacheia (in the ANS photofile). As there are no notes explaining his placement, and a detailed study of Lysimacheia is lacking, Seyrig’s attribution must be regarded as speculative.
