Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos, 305 - 281 B.C., Portrait of Alexander the Great

The obverse of this gold coin (stater), minted under the authority of King Lysimachus of Thrace (r. 305-281 BCE), shows the deified portrait of Alexander the Great, wearing the royal fillet (diadema) with the ram's horn of Ammon;

The reverse features the enthroned Athena Nikephoros (holding a figurine of Nike), her left arm leaning on a shield, with a spear in the background; the legend names King Lysimachus.

Two inclusion spots are evident on reverse as per images

Gram weight 7.72 Grams

Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's personal bodyguards, was appointed strategos (general) in Thrace and Chersonesos after Alexander's death. He became one of the diadochi (successors of Alexander) who were initially generals and governors, but who continuously allied and warred with each other and eventually divided the empire. In 309, he founded his capital Lysimachia in a commanding situation on the neck connecting the Chersonesos with the mainland. In 306, he followed the example of Antigonus in taking the title of king, ruling Thrace, Asia Minor and Macedonia. In 281, he was killed in battle against Seleucus, another successor of Alexander.

History ownership

This coin was purchased in December 2023 from German migrant who migrated to Australia in 1986

The coin has been in his private collection till now.

Most of his coins were purchased from auctions in Germany prior to 1986

SIZE 20.6 19.3 2.7

7.72 GRAMS

$10,000

Please not coin displays pitting and priced accordingly

pitted holes (or pitting corrosion) seen on ancient gold coins can be due to the presence of copper in the coin's composition.

This is because gold coins often contain a small percentage of copper or other metals as an alloy to enhance the coin's durability and strength. Over time, this copper can react with its environment, leading to corrosion and pitting