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Obolos 11

8 December 2018
Webauction
overview

A proof of an unnoticed crime punished with death

Starting Price: 150 CHF
Hammer Price:  200 CHF
Lot 65

KINGS OF THRACE. Lysimachos, 305-281 BC. Tetradrachn (Silver, plated, 27.5 mm, 12.62 g, 1 h), c. 250-200 or later, imitating a Lampsakos issue of, c. 297-281. Diademed head of Alexander the Great to right with horn of Ammon over his ear. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena seated to left on throne, leaning her left elbow on her shield and holding Nike, crowning the king's name, in her right; behind, transverse spear; inner left, ΔΞ monogram; in exergue, crescent with points to left. Thompson 399. Müller 49. A very interesting, toned and well centered example. Good very fine.



Here we have a perfectly plated tetradrachm distinguished from the official issues only by its weight and, maybe, by its style. No traces of the copper core are apparent: only after careful observation can some be noted in the eye. The style of the portrait, which fits better in the second half of the 3rd century and on into the 2nd, indicates that it was produced around that time, but with based on a lifetime prototype dating to 297-281 as shown by the reverse. Thus, the ancient forger paired an "up-to-date" contemporary and floridly Hellenistic-style obverse with an "antique" reverse. The wear shows us that it circulated unnoticed for quite a while before it was lost. Perhaps its last owner discovered that something was amiss and got rid of it? A very interesting coin, indeed.

Online bidding closes: 8 Dec 2018, 16:32:30 CET Current Date & Time: 29 Mar 2024, 15:45:06 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:200 CHF by tschurak (3 bids)
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