Artwork Page for Tetradrachm: Head of Alexander (obverse); Athena (reverse)

Details / Information for Tetradrachm: Head of Alexander (obverse); Athena (reverse)

Tetradrachm: Head of Alexander (obverse); Athena (reverse)

297–281 BCE

Greek, Macedonian, minted at Lysimachia (Thrake), reign of Lysimachos

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Medium
silver
Measurements
Diameter: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)
Weight: 16.98 g (0.60 oz)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1917.984
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Although Alexander the Great appears on this coin, the inscription on the reverse identifies its issuer as Lysimachos.

Description

A contemporary of Alexander the Great and one of his generals, Lysimachos used coins like this one to emphasize his connections to the fallen leader. The images of the goddesses Athena and Nike, or Victory, on the reverse, together with an inscription naming King Lysimachos, further legitimize his reign, first in Thrace and then in parts of Macedonia and Asia Minor.
A silver coin depicts the profile head of Alexander facing right, with thick wavy hair and a ram's horn curling around his ear. On the reverse, Athena sits on a throne facing left, extending a hand to hold a small winged figure. Vertical Greek text, "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ" and "ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ," borders the goddess. A circular shield rests behind her throne. The silver shows slight surface wear.

Tetradrachm: Head of Alexander (obverse); Athena (reverse)

297–281 BCE

Greek, Macedonian, minted at Lysimachia (Thrake), reign of Lysimachos

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