Lot 24
Thracian Kingdom. Lysimachos, 323-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.19 g), Amphipolis mint, struck 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of deified Alexander right; horn of Ammon above ear. Reverse: Athena Nikephoros seated left, holding up Nike in extended hand, spear leaning against foot; monogram beneath arm; at right, another monogram. Thompson 201; Müller 543 var. (position of monograms). Finely centered and boldly struck, with high relief portrait. Lightly toned, with areas of russet and gold about the portrait. Lustrous and choice. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
This and the previous coin offered are responsible for the conception of the large-sized British penny: Athena has been replaced with a classical representation of Britannia, while the monarch's head was substituted for that of the deified Alexander the Great. While silver denominations had been the coin of the realm, the fourth century BC saw a large influx of gold and bronze coinage as well.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
Ex Tkalec Auktion (2-19-01), lot 74.
|
| |
| Realized $5,060 |
