Lysimachos Tet----an enigma....

Specifically, what I'm referring to is the difficulty of placing a reasonable value on this coin and why it continued to haunt me whenever I decided to pass on it LOL. It's a high style rendition of the type, the celator was obviously highly skilled. And I believe most of us would place details grade of about VF for the obverse and Fine (+?) for the reverse although there are other serious flaws: besides 'normal' wear it appears to have been harshly and improperly cleaned as the scratches on the reverse field clearly suggest. But, the details are relatively strong and that reverse of a seated Athena, including that cool 'lion head' protruding from the boss of her shield, incessantly forced me to take another look. Overall, the details are attractive and the devices well-centered on both sides of the coin, but the surfaces have me shaking my head---perhaps natural toning will eventually improve that problem. Further, assigning precise attributions to this Tet has proven to be extraordinarily difficult for me.

http://cngcoins.com/Search.aspx?PAG..._SOLD=1&SEARCH_IN_CONTAINER_TYPE_ID_1=1&SEARC

https://www.acsearch.info/search.ht...s=1&currency=usd&thesaurus=1&order=0&company=

After numerous revisits to take yet another look with as many additional attempts at 'due diligence' to establish a value I could rationally accept, I basically expanded on my initial 'gut' opinion and gave it a minimum to maximum range of $100-$200.00 while noting that 'similar' lower grade types were typically selling at hammer/retail for about $200+ and higher grades of varying mints and styles well into three figures and even four figures. Yet, I still wonder what this coin really is worth??? To some of us, virtually nothing at all, to others perhaps only my minimum value and to a few---like me---perhaps as much as $200.00 shipped.

Please honestly express your opinions and feel free to post any coin you have that in any way relates to this 'battle hardened veteran'

AR Tetradrachm of Lysimachos (circa 360-281 BC)
Pella Mint, Thrace; 16.53 grams, 29 mm
Diademed head of deified Alexander with horn of Ammon
Athena enthroned holding Nike placing wreath over King's name, shield with lion head 'boss' leaning against throne---monograms to left.
SNG COP, THOMPSON ? 248 (ish) ?


BTW: This Tetradrachm cost me $190.00 shipped.

 

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I like these coins and will get one someday. I'd rate yours as a "wholesome" example (auction house code for lower grade but still a pleasant and appealing coin). Given the usual prices, albeit for at least slightly higher grade, I'd say you definitely got your money's worth

 

The portrait style looks a little more like a depiction of an actual person, and not a totally idealized portrayal of the ruler. I like it. The condition does not bother me. How can you argue with 16+ grams of ancient silver?

 

I forgot to mention that your coin has fine portrait style. Not all of these are as attractive, portrait-wise.

 

Yes, $200 is a fair price imho. Congrats Mikey

I paid $ 204 ex shipping at $10 for mine.

 

LOVE your Tet @Andres2 !!! I wouldn't have hesitated a moment grabbing that one!!!

 

Here's my humble one. Love it...

 

I really like yours @Mikey Zee ! I captured mine because I am chasing Diodachi...


THRACE
Silver Tetradrachm,
Ephesus(?) mint, c. 294-281 BCE
14.309g, 28.7mm, die axis 180o,
Obv: diademed head of Alexander the Great wearing the horn of Ammon
Rev: BAΣIΛEΩΣ (king) ΛYΣIMAXOY (Lysimachos), Athena enthroned left resting arm on shield, transverse spear resting against right side, Athena holds Nike crowning name with wreath, ΣΠE(?) monogram under her hand
Ex: Roma Numismatics e-auction 5 (23 Feb 2014), lot 353; listed as extremely rare
REF: Apparently unpublished; Müller -, Thompson -, SNG Cop -, SNG Tübingen -, Armenak Hoard
Comments: high-relief unusual style portrait, tiny flan crack

 

Wonderful posts guys!!!

That's a terrifically toned example !! Curious, which 'Generals' are you still missing??

 

Hmmm...I have most of them, but want a TET or DiDrachm for each of them. The only Seleukid that I have is a beat up AE...

Still Researching
Craterus (not sure if there is any coinage)
Antipater (not sure if there is specific coinage)
Porus (not Diadochi, but pretty cool guy)
And others that belong to the drama around this time (Olympias, etc.)

 

I think you did just fine with the price. Nice portrait!

Mine, another Lampsakos mint issue.

 

I would say $250-275. One can certainly get them cheaper on occasion. Some years ago they were $400 average, then a big dip in the market to about $150 when a hoard was dispersed, now back up again.

 

I dunno. Your coin is beautifully done, both obverse and reverse. Seems to me like $200 is reasonable or maybe on the low side. Congrats @Mikey Zee

 

I sniped this at auction a few months ago for 325 total:

Thracian Kingdom. Lysimachos. As King, 306-281 B.C. AR tetradrachm (29.2 mm, 16.59 g, 11 h). Magnesia mint, 297/6-282/1 B.C.
Thompson 115; Müller 443A var

Since I bid a buck more than the other bidder, I assume at least one other person thinks it is worth it. Then again, after reading a few posts here (now understanding that some sellers bid on their own inventory and after seeing high probability evidence of seller-bidding from this auction house's most recent data), maybe I played the fool and bid the seller's lowball.

But I really like the coin, and I'd probably do it again.

 

I think that's a fantastic example!!! It certainly seems worth it to me.

......and I think @Ken Dorney would consider it well worth the price and he sells coins for a living!

Thanks everyone for all your great coin posts and very interesting and helpful comments!!!

 

I agree with those who think $200 would be a good deal and $275 would be okay. The style and centering are excellent. The lettering is clear. The type is historically interesting.

1932-D and -S Washington quarters in MS 55 (only 55!) retail at $435 and $260 respectively. Tell the story of Lysimachos, look at the size of the coin, note its age, and the comparison is clear; $200 is a bargain for the OP coin. Be glad you collect ancient coins!

 

Value is in the pocket of the buyer. The problem is yesterday's buyers are tomorrow's sellers so they have to find someone who agrees or not care about the cash value and dwell on the fun they gain from ownership.

Mine are drachms and cheap.

 

Been on my list to get for some time. The hard part is having a nice one to show up when I have the cash to spend on one at the same time.
Nice addition @Mikey Zee . So does that mean a certain lot of Selucids is up for grabs?

 

I would say you did great at $190. It's not a perfect specimen for the grade, but, despite the surface issues, it retains excellent eye appeal. I have a Lampsakos mint issue on my radar currently, and, while the one I'm looking at is higher grade with better surfaces (and triple the price!), I'd say it compares favorably on a dollar for dollar basis.

 

I certainly don't know enough to evaluate whether or not it was a good price, but I think that it is very attractive and well-represents the type. I would be happy with it.