Object Description
An ancient Greek, Thracian, silver tetradrachm, struck for Lysimachus, encased in a crystal bezel. On the obverse of the coin is the depiction of the deified Alexander the Great as Zeus Ammon. He is portrayed in profile wearing a thin diadem. The ridged, ram’s horns of the god can be seen through the locks of hair, famous characteristics. The reverse displays the seated Greek goddess Athena Nikephorus, the ‘Victory Bearer’, holding a miniature Nike in her right hand. Athena appears in a crested helmet with a round shield to her side. To the right of the goddess is the legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ (BASILEUS), translating as ‘King’. To the left of Athena, in the field, is a mintmark; HP. It flanks the other legend, naming our coin; ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ (LYSIMACHOU). The ‘o-u’ ending of the successor’s name signifies the genitive form and denotes possession, and can thus be translated as ‘[coinage] of Lysimachus’. The final mark to the left of the legend is an aphlaston; the upward curving stern of an ancient warship.
The coin is encased in a custom-made stainless steel bezel to the obverse, decorated with high quality faceted crystal. On the reverse there is a silver mount, hallmarked at the top, to stabilise the coin within its frame. The steel suspension loop is also branded with a recessed TP, in collaboration with Tresor Paris, the Hatton Garden jewellers. The pendant is hung from a silver chain, included with the piece.
Dimension listed below measure from closed clasp to the end of the pendant.
Date: Coin circa 297/6-282/1 BC. Pendant casing and chain modern.