Obolos 12

IONIA. Smyrna (as Eurydikeia). Circa 290-287/1 BC. (Bronze, 17 mm, 3.94 g, 12 h). Veiled head of Eurydice, daughter of Lysimachos, to right. Rev. EYPYΔΙΚ[EΩΝ] Tripod. Milne, Autonomous 5. SNG Copenhagen 1105. SNG von Aulock 2159. Very rare; olive green patina. Very fine.

This very rare issue has been erroneously attributed in the past to Eurydikaia in the Chalkidiki peninsula. In fact, Eurydice was the elder daughter of Lysimachos, who temporarily named Smyrna after her. That did not last long. She was married to Antipater II who, out of greed for power, began a war with his brother Alexander V. In the end, Demetrius Poliorcetes killed Alexander V and drove Antipater and Eurydice out to take refuge with Lysimachos. Soon Lysimachos became fed up with his son-in-law and executed him; since his daughter also became annoying he had her executed as well.