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 LYSIMACHOS - King: 323-281 B.C.
Silver Drachm (19.5mm, 4.20 gm.) Ephesos, 294-287  B.C. Artistic style.  Superb!
Reference:  Thompson 170.
Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon.
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left,  left arm resting on shield, holding Nike, tripod before,  ΣI under throne.

One of the most remarkable of the 'Successors' of Alexander, Lysimachos was of  Thessalian stock and was a bodyguard of the great Macedonian King. In the  confused period following Alexander's death he obtained the government of  Thrace, and in 309 B.C. founded his capital city of Lysimacheia where many of  his coins were struck. In 305 B.C. he took the title of King, and four years  later extended his rule over much of Asia Minor following the defeat of  Antigonos the One-eyed at Ipos. His later years were marred by domestic tragedy  and his harsh rule made him unpopular with his subjects. In 281 B.C. Lysimachos,  now aged 80, was attacked by Seleukos of Syria who was only two years his  junior. Lysimachos died fighting at the battle of Korupedion and his kingdom  disappeared with him. But his memory lived on and generations later a number of  mints in the Black Sea area restored his coin types for their autonomous issues.