Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 498 18 Aug 2021
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KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. As Satrap, 323-305 BC. AR Tetrobol (15.5mm, 2.39 g, 10h). In the name and types of Philip II of Macedon. Amphipolis mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing tainia / Nude youth on horseback right; below, ΛY above forepart of lion right; in exergue, spearhead right. Thompson 1; Müller -; Price P5A; HGC 3, 476. Deep iridescent tone, a little porosity, small mark on reverse. VF. Rare.
From the BRN Collection.
Although these coins have traditionally been attributed to the beginning of Lysimachos' reign as king of Thrace, more recent scholarship has persuasively placed them early in the period of his satrapy. Price, in his study of the coinage of Alexander the Great and Philip III, discounts the prior dating (circa 306/5 BC) and mint attribution (Lysimacheia), and argues for an issue placed at Amphipolis, circa 320-315 BC. During this time, Lysimachos was constantly waging war against the Thracian tribes and likely needed coinage for troop payments. The only source for him, at that time, would be his close friend Kassander, who controlled the mint at Amphipolis. This placement and dating conform well to the current scholarship regarding the minting of Philip II-type tetrobols (or fifth tetradrachms). For further background, see, e.g.: Price, pp. 130 and 197; AMNG III, p. 171; and H. Lund, Lysimachus: A Study in Early Hellenistic Kingship (Routledge, 1992), p. 57.
From the BRN Collection.
Although these coins have traditionally been attributed to the beginning of Lysimachos' reign as king of Thrace, more recent scholarship has persuasively placed them early in the period of his satrapy. Price, in his study of the coinage of Alexander the Great and Philip III, discounts the prior dating (circa 306/5 BC) and mint attribution (Lysimacheia), and argues for an issue placed at Amphipolis, circa 320-315 BC. During this time, Lysimachos was constantly waging war against the Thracian tribes and likely needed coinage for troop payments. The only source for him, at that time, would be his close friend Kassander, who controlled the mint at Amphipolis. This placement and dating conform well to the current scholarship regarding the minting of Philip II-type tetrobols (or fifth tetradrachms). For further background, see, e.g.: Price, pp. 130 and 197; AMNG III, p. 171; and H. Lund, Lysimachus: A Study in Early Hellenistic Kingship (Routledge, 1992), p. 57.