Alexander the Great, RIP, June 10, 323 BC

WillieBoyd2

Alexander the Great died in Babylon on June 10, 323 BC.



Alexander Tetradrachm - Issued by Lysimachus at Amphipolis, Thrace
Head of Alexander the Great wearing the Horn of Ammon
Athena left on throne, resting left arm on shield, spear resting against right side,
Nike crowning name
(Greek) BASILEOS LYSAMIXOY (King Lysimachus)
Greek monogram left, right, in exergue
Struck: BC 288-281 (about)
Size: 30mm
Weight: 17.14g
Catalog: Thompson 208
Lysimachus was one of Alexander's bodyguards, a successor, and later ruler of Macedonia.

determined

The Lysimachus tetradrachms are one of my favorite ancient coins. It has a classic design and is full of historical significance.

After Alexander died, in The Wars of the Successors the generals fought among themselves for control of Alexander’s empire. Each wanted to be seen as Alexander's successor. With unabashed propaganda Lysimachus is connecting himself to Alexander by putting Alexander's portrait on his coins. And he also has the Nike putting a victory wreath right on the name Lysimachus.

It has been speculated that the Alexander portrait on these coins may have been based on a lifetime portrait carved in a gem by the gem carver Pyrgoteles. Pyrgoteles was a favorite artist of Alexander's and was prominent in Alexander's court.


Lysimachos, silver tetradrachm, 29mm, 17.09g. Pergamon Mint, struck circa 287-282 BC.

Obverse: Head of Alexander the Great, with horn of Ammon and diadem.
Reverse: Athena on throne, Victory Nike in hand. The Greek translates as “King Lysimachus”.

Swampboy

Awesome coins.

Dennis88

Interesting write-up, thanks

Dennis

HoledandCreative

Really neat thread.

Hussulo

Very nice . I've always liked Alexander Tetradrachms.