KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AV Stater (19.5mm, 8.50 g, 1h). In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Kolophon mint. Struck circa 299/8-297/6 BC.

Triton XXIII – Session One – Greek Coinage Part I
Lot: 174. Estimated: $ 10 000

Greek, Gold

Sold For $ 19 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AV Stater (19.5mm, 8.50 g, 1h). In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Kolophon mint. Struck circa 299/8-297/6 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Nike advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; monogram to outer left; below left wing, forepart of lion left; K below right wing. Cf. Thompson 125 (drachm with these controls); Müller –; cf. HGC 3, 1742 photo (for mint and type); Anadol 2 (samed dies); Hunt IV 193 = Leu 7, 117 (same dies); Egger 46, lot 394 (same dies); Egger [20] (1908), lot 394 (same dies); Künker 326, lot 692 (same dies). Underlying luster, a few tiny marks. EF. Perfectly centered on a broad flan, and struck from dies of fine style in an early die state. Extremely rare issue, one of six published examples.

Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA 8 (5 July 2017), lot 16; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 193; Peus 348 (2 May 1996), lot 132; Peus 343 (26 April 1995), lot 115; Giessener Münzhandlung 60 (5 October 1992), lot 95.

Kolophon was exceptionally prolific in producing silver drachms for Lysimachos, but is one of only four mints that are known to have produced the very rare Alexander type gold in the name of Lysimachos. The present issue was first discovered in the Anadol hoard of 1895, and although Pridik noted only one example, much of the hoard was not recorded, and it is likely that most of the six known pieces actually derive from that hoard. In addition to this issue, another gold issue of Kolophon was recently discovered (LHS 102, lot 114), with the same control marks as the silver issues of Thompson 122 and 126. All of the six staters of this issue are struck from a single die pair of exquisite style, with devices of exceptional detail that appear to have been executed with great care, suggesting they are the product of a master engraver.

The final winners of all Triton XXIII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 14-15 January 2020. Triton XXIII – Session One – Greek Coinage Part I will be held Tuesday morning, 14 January 2020 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and in person at the public auction, 22.50% for all others.