Lysimachos. 305-281 BC, Tetradrachm

Lysimachos, tetradrachm, AR, 305–281 BC, Lysimacheia, 16.82 g, 30 mm. Obverse with diademed head of deified Alexander III right, wearing the horn of Ammon. Reverse with Athena seated left, holding Nike in extended right hand and resting left arm on shield, with transverse spear; legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ. Well-centred on a broad flan, with strong strike and clear legends; minor die wear typical for the issue. Reference: Meydancikkale 2591.

This tetradrachm belongs to the dynastic coinage of Lysimachos, one of Alexander III’s successors, and employs the posthumous portrait of the deified Alexander with Ammon horn to assert legitimacy and continuity of rule in the years following the partition of Alexander’s empire; the seated Athena reverse and royal legend identify the issuing authority and reflect the Hellenistic practice of combining Alexandrine imagery with the personal kingship of the Diadochoi.