Denomination: Silver drachm

Period: Reign of Lysimachus as Satrap of Thrace

Date: c323-280BC

Origin: Thrace, Cardia (Lysimachia)

Condition: Very fine+, obverse slightly off centre

Obverse: Head of Herakles (possibly the likeness of Alexander the Great) wearing lionskin headdress

Reverse: Zeus seated, left, holding sceptre and eagle; monogram in left field and helmeted head below throne, 'For Alexander' (written in Greek) behind

Size and Weight: 17mm, 4.19g

References: L Muller, Coins of Lysimachus on Alexander Types, 17

Features and Provenance: Alexander (the Great) III reigned for only 13 years, dying at the age of 33. During his time on the Macedonian throne he managed to conquer most of the known world, from Greece to India. He was born in 356 to Philip II and succeeded to the throne in 336 BC on the assassination of his father.

When Alexanderdies, he had no heir and the resultant void caused four decades of civil war. His four generals split his lands between themselves, Lysimachus being one of them, and many called themselves king after a period of acceptance. The head of Herakles or Hercules on the obverse of the coin is supposed to have the likeness of Alexander, but this has never been proven. Lysimachos is supposed to have issued these coins to gain favour and give himself legitimacy to the throne of Thrace. He was Alexander's bodyguard and then general, but also one of his closest friends, so it follows that he would honour his dead leader and friend in such a way. 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible