The Thracian Chersonesus is a long, narrow peninsula connecting the sea of Marmara with the Aegean. In ancient times it was famous for being very fertile, and for the fact many of its women were regarded as sorceresses. The former element accounts for the frequent appearance of harvest symbols on the coinage. By the 5th century B.C. the Athenian state took an active interest in protecting the grain trade, and a number of Charsonese cities became tributary states in the Athenian empire. Thrace then fell under the domination of Alexander's successors. The minting of this very attractive coin may have been during the reign of Lysimachus, who was one of Alexander the Great's bodyguards. He received Thrace as a reward for the loyalty he had shown his king and friend. The obverse shows the forepart of a lion with its head turned backwards. The beauty of this coin is as impressive as the person who chooses to wear something so uniquely elegant.
- (FJ.6226)
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