Coin of Lysimachus Value Guide

This silver tetradrachm is a significant piece of Hellenistic history, issued by Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's Diadochi who rose to power in Thrace. The coin serves as a powerful tool of political legitimacy, featuring the deified portrait of Alexander with the horns of Ammon to solidify Lysimachus's connection to the legendary conqueror.

What Is Coin of Lysimachus Worth?

The typical price range for Coin of Lysimachus is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and clarity of the deer symbol on the reverse, which distinguishes this variety from more common lion-marked issues.
• The overall strike quality and centering of the portrait, particularly the detail in Alexander's hair and the horn of Ammon.
• Surface preservation and the presence of any original mint luster or attractive cabinet toning.
• The weight and metal purity, as authentic silver tetradrachms from this era should adhere to the Attic standard.

How to Identify Coin of Lysimachus?

• Observe the obverse for the high-relief portrait of the deified Alexander the Great wearing the horn of Ammon.
• Check the reverse for the seated figure of Athena Nikephoros holding a small Nike, with a shield and spear resting nearby.
• Look for the specific control symbol of a deer positioned in front of Athena, a distinct mark of this Thracian issue.
• Verify the Greek inscription 'BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY' which identifies the coin as being under the authority of King Lysimachus.

History of Coin of Lysimachus

This coin is a tetradrachm issued by Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals who became king of Thrace and Macedon. After Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. Lysimachus started issuing coins bearing Alexander's deified image around 297 BC, legitimizing his rule by associating himself with the legendary conqueror. The reverse often features Athena, a symbol of wisdom and warfare, along with other symbols like a lion or, in this specific case, a deer, which could relate to local Thracian iconography or personal emblems.