1⁄16 Shekel - Abdashtart I

Historical Context: This 1/16 Shekel was issued by Abdashtart I, King of Sidon, between 354-353 BC. During this period, Sidon flourished as a prominent Phoenician city-state under the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Abdashtart I, also known as Straton I, maintained Sidon's considerable autonomy and economic power, largely through its formidable naval fleet and extensive trade networks. This coinage served not only as a medium of exchange but also as a powerful symbol of Sidonian identity and its strategic importance within the Persian satrapy of Syria and Phoenicia.

Artistry: The design of this diminutive fraction reflects the characteristic blend of Phoenician and Hellenistic artistic influences prevalent in Sidonian coinage. While the engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school clearly demonstrates a sophisticated local tradition adapted from Greek prototypes. The obverse typically features a war galley, emblematic of Sidon's maritime supremacy. The reverse often portrays the Persian Great King or a local deity in a chariot, symbolizing the complex political relationship between Sidon and its imperial overlords.

Technical/Grading: Given its minute size (9mm) and light weight (0.78g), striking quality is a crucial factor for this 1/16 Shekel. High-points for preservation and strike include the details of the galley's stern, ram, and mast on the obverse, and the heads of the figures and horses on the reverse. Due to the small flan, off-center strikes, partial designs, and areas of flatness are common. Well-centered examples with clear depictions of the primary motifs, exhibiting minimal die wear, are considered exceptional and highly sought after by collectors.