Catalog
| Issuer | Sidon |
|---|---|
| Year | 370 BC - 358 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1⁄16 Shekel |
| Currency | Shekel (539-332 BCE) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.74 g |
| Diameter | 10 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | BMC Greek#36, GCV#5940, Betlyon#27 |
| Obverse description | War galley sailing left with rowers, oars and shields; zigzag depicting the sea. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | PHOENICIAN LETTER (B). |
| Reverse description | Persian king standing right, battling lion standing left on hind legs in incuse square |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | PHOENICIAN LETTER (`). |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (370 BC - 358 BC) - (fr) Betlyon 27 - |
| Numisquare ID | 5315142530 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1/16 Shekel was issued by Abdashtart I, also known as Straton I, King of Sidon (370-358 BC). Sidon, a powerful Phoenician city-state, operated under Persian suzerainty but maintained significant autonomy, especially in monetary policy. Abdashtart I was a shrewd ruler who navigated the Achaemenid Empire's complex geopolitical landscape, ensuring Sidon's prosperity as a major maritime trading hub. The prolific coinage of his reign underscores the city's economic vitality and prominent role in Mediterranean commerce.
Artistry: While specific engravers remain anonymous, the coin exemplifies the distinctive Phoenician artistic style, blending indigenous iconography with Hellenistic influences. The obverse typically features a stylized war galley, a powerful symbol of Sidon's naval dominance and mercantile prowess. The reverse commonly depicts a local deity or a simplified representation of the Great King of Persia, reflecting Sidon's dual identity. The minute scale of this 1/16 Shekel necessitated a highly compressed yet recognizable design.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this minute coin measures 10 mm and weighs 0.74 grams. Due to its small flan and manual striking, examples often exhibit variable strike quality, including off-center strikes and areas of flatness. High-points prone to wear typically include the galley's mast and oars on the obverse, and the figure's head or upper torso on the reverse. Full details are rare; specimens with clear representations of both sides are highly prized. Silver quality is generally high, though planchet imperfections can occur.