I had a big win today. Now, a Lysimachos Tetradrachm was on my want list from when I began collecting Ancients (for the second time, as an adult). I acquired a nice example in spring 2019 and while it is nice coin.. there’s another variant I’ve been chasing in particular. An obverse die cut from specific hand; A Thompson 43, Lampsakos mint. The coin below came up at Nomos AG’s live auction and it had to be mine. I’m unashamed of my penchant for attention grabbing portraits (bonus points for crazy headdresses, outrageous hairdo’s, big gnarly horns, etc) and I find this portrait of Alexander the Great to be incredibly bold and powerful - artfully realized and maybe even a little intimidating. I put in the kind of pre-bid you place when you’re determined to win a coin at any price. Unfortunately somebody else felt the same way and bid me right up to max but hey, it worked out and this will be a forever coin in my collection. I hope you appreciate it as I do and of course post anything you feel is relevant; A Lysimachos tetradrachm, an upgrade you reached for, a bold portrait, a specific die you were chasing.. whatever Horns up! KINGS OF THRACE. Lysimachos, 305-281 BC.Tetradrachm (Silver, 27.5 mm, 16.82 g, 11 h), Lampsakos, 297/6-282/1. 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 hand; behind, transverse spear with point below left; to left, torch with flame to left; on throne, eight-pointed star. Thompson 43. A lovely piece with an elegant portrait of Alexander; nicely toned. Nearly extremely fine. From the collection of W. Belser, Zürich, prior to 1965, and that of his son, acquired in the early 1970s
That's what I call an upgrade! Congratulations, this one is a keeper and it is so good, it is an investment level coin. Great provenance too! I imagine it didn't come cheap, but it doesn't matter as it should hopefully not lose its value and I imagine you will keep it for many years to come. I have one too, nowhere near as fine as yours: Like in your case, I have in my mind to upgrade it one day but it won't be for a while. Even though Lysimachos tets are not in short supply, a really good example will require serious budgetary commitment.
Congratulations on your win, @Nvb Those issues from Lampsakos have truly remarkable portraits. Here is mine, which I already presented in a different thread.
Both nice, but yes, definitely a clear upgrade there. Everything here so far is nice. @Meander's coin is a real stunner.
Beautiful! What a graceful and artistic depiction of Athena! The coin has very attractive cabinet toning, too!
Last year I tried to win one of the Pergamon "K" tetradrachms and was beaten like a drum but actually I was pleased. Because before the auction I saw this coin which I really liked and was happy to buy after my loss ( no this is not sour grapes) Lysimachos Ar Tetradrachm Lampsakos Obv Head of Alexander III Rv. Athena seated left. Thompson 61 var HGC 1750b 297/6-282/1 BC 17.22 grms 30 mm
A great upgrade, @Nvb. The style and flan size are both excellent. I've owned three examples of the type and am finally happy with my current coin, with the "K" signature. I spent quite a while looking for a reverse portrait that I liked and had to bid rather aggressively to get it. Interestingly, this coin was more toned during lot viewing than in the auction pictures: coins are living, changing beasts and the time between consignment/photography and purchase might be many months, giving the atmosphere time to intervene.
Fantastic coins all! This type is a huge hit with collectors, and it’s really not hard to see why.. I thought the slight pitting on my example would keep the price down but really it did not. For whatever reason a few pits is standard for the issue. I’m thrilled with the coin either way.
We shall see.. I’m happy to hang on to both for a while, but i think keeping the collection lean and mean is the way to go longer term. Already sent a few coins to auction this fall, more to come next year
Well done, @Nvb . Nice upgrade. Thrace -Lysimachos AR Tet 14.3g 28.7mm 305-281 BCE RARE Alexander head-Ammon horns - rev Lysimachos Athena
nice upgrade ! After several upgrades, i think i have myself reached a coin i would probably won't be able to improve...
