Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 90 23 May 2012
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THRACE, Byzantion. Early-mid 1st century BC. AV Stater (23mm, 8.27 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right / Athena Nikephoros seated left; monogram to inner left, BY on throne, ornamented trident in exergue. Marinescu p. 194, 5, and pl. 67, 4 var. (monogram); Callataÿ p. 149, n. 40, and pl. 38, M var. (same). Good VF, slightly weak strike on obverse. Extremely rare.
This interesting late stater from Byzantion belongs to a very rare group of issues that are characterized by a rather “hasty” style and a broad, thin flan. Although Marinescu places these under the category of “imitative” coinages, his die study concludes before the 1st century, post-Mithradatic issues of Byzantion, which is the period in which Callataÿ places these. Callataÿ’s assignment is certainly correct, as the overall characteristics of the flan and style of these coins are consistent with gold staters of the Black Sea region at that time. The style of the present piece is identical to the BM specimen illustrated by Callataÿ; the dies for both coins must be the work of the same engraver.
This interesting late stater from Byzantion belongs to a very rare group of issues that are characterized by a rather “hasty” style and a broad, thin flan. Although Marinescu places these under the category of “imitative” coinages, his die study concludes before the 1st century, post-Mithradatic issues of Byzantion, which is the period in which Callataÿ places these. Callataÿ’s assignment is certainly correct, as the overall characteristics of the flan and style of these coins are consistent with gold staters of the Black Sea region at that time. The style of the present piece is identical to the BM specimen illustrated by Callataÿ; the dies for both coins must be the work of the same engraver.