KINGS of THRACE, Local Dynasts. Skostokos. Circa 285/4-273/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.27 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos. Ainos mint. Struck circa 280 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, 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 var. (unlisted dies); Thompson 257 var. (extra control marks); Müller 114; HGC 3, 1750r; Weber 2727. Iridescent tone, slight die shift. EF. Well centered. Very rare, only six examples noted by Fischer-Bossert, seven additional specimens in CoinArchives.
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.