Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 114 13-14 May 2020
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KINGS of THRACE, Local Dynasts. Skostokos. Circa 285/4-273/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.18 g, 8h). Ainos mint. Struck circa 280 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, cult image set on throne. Fischer-Bossert, Lysimacheier C7 (V c6/R c7); Thompson 257 var. (extra control marks); Müller 114; HGC 3, 1750r; Weber 2727 (same dies). Lightly toned. EF. Well struck. Very rare, only six examples noted by Fischer-Bossert, six additionally in CoinArchives.
From the San Vicente Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, June 1995.
While previous scholars viewed Skostokos as a dynast who took control of parts of Thrace following Lysimachos' death, Fischer-Bossert's die study demonstrates that Skostokos was most likely a local dynast of the environs around Ainos, who ruled under Lysimachos, and was permitted to strike Lysimachi beginning late in the king's reign. Current scholarship suggests he ruled from circa 285/4-273/2 BC (see, e.g., E. Paunov, "Introduction to the Numismatics of Thrace" in J. Valeva, et al., A Companion to Ancient Thrace, p. 280, fig. 18.4). Skostokos apparently continued to strike Lysimachi in the chaotic period following the latter's death, before Seleukid authority could be established in Thrace.
From the San Vicente Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, June 1995.
While previous scholars viewed Skostokos as a dynast who took control of parts of Thrace following Lysimachos' death, Fischer-Bossert's die study demonstrates that Skostokos was most likely a local dynast of the environs around Ainos, who ruled under Lysimachos, and was permitted to strike Lysimachi beginning late in the king's reign. Current scholarship suggests he ruled from circa 285/4-273/2 BC (see, e.g., E. Paunov, "Introduction to the Numismatics of Thrace" in J. Valeva, et al., A Companion to Ancient Thrace, p. 280, fig. 18.4). Skostokos apparently continued to strike Lysimachi in the chaotic period following the latter's death, before Seleukid authority could be established in Thrace.