Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 2027. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004.  Sold For $2950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANTIQUITY. HELLENISTIC ERA. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos. Bronze 20 stater weight. 323-281 BC. Size: 42mm square; weight: 167.26 gm. High relief depiction of the forepart of a lion right; LU above, ST K below. Pierced on the edge in one corner. Fine condition, with earthen encrustation over a thick green patina. Very rare artifact of the period of the Diodochi. ($1500)

The lion forepart was the personal badge of Lysimachos of Thrace, thus indicating this weight is to be identified as the property of that ruler, not the city of Lysimacheia. The weight is very close to the proper standard for 20 Greek gold staters (circa 170 gm). Possibly intended for use in Pergamon, after Lysimachos seized the treasury of that wealthy city following the battle of Ipsos in 301 BC. The pierced edge means this weight could be used on either a balance pan scale or a steelyard type scale, as Lysimachos' treasure was portioned out.