Lysimachus, King of Thrace, 323-281 BC. Silver tetradrachm

Lysimachus, King of Thrace, Macedonia and Asia Minor, 323-281 BC. Silver tetradrachm, Amphipolis mint, c. 288/7-282/1 BC. 29 mm, 16.77 g. Obv. Diademed head of Alexander the Great right, with the horn of Ammon. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ, Athena Nikephoros seated left on throne, holding Nike crowning the royal name; to left, rose control symbol; beneath throne, transverse spearhead. Thompson (Amphipolis) 196 var.; Müller 331. Lightly iridescent cabinet tone, sharp detail on the portrait and legend, minor edge nicks. Ex-NFA Fall Mail Bid Sale 1990. Ex Tucker Collection. Ticket included.

Struck during the zenith of Lysimachus’ power after he had secured Macedonia, this issue proclaims his claim to Alexander’s legacy through the deified portrait of the conqueror adorned with Ammon’s ram’s horn. On the reverse, Athena Nikephoros—goddess of victory—underscores the king’s military success while Nike extends a wreath to his name. The rose control mark securely places the coin in the Amphipolis series of the late 280s BC, just before Lysimachus’ fatal showdown with Seleucus at Corupedium (281 BC). Tetradrachms of this short-lived phase combine masterful Hellenistic artistry with poignant historical resonance, marking the final flowering of Alexander-style royal imagery before Macedonia fell to rival successors.