Catalogo
| Emittente | Sidon |
|---|---|
| Anno | 370 BC - 358 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1⁄16 Shekel |
| Valuta | Shekel (539-332 BCE) |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 0.74 g |
| Diametro | 10 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BMC Greek#36, GCV#5940, Betlyon#27 |
| Descrizione del dritto | War galley sailing left with rowers, oars and shields; zigzag depicting the sea. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | PHOENICIAN LETTER (B). |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Persian king standing right, battling lion standing left on hind legs in incuse square |
| Scrittura del rovescio | |
| Legenda del rovescio | PHOENICIAN LETTER (`). |
| Bordo | Smooth |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (370 BC - 358 BC) - (fr) Betlyon 27 - |
| ID Numisquare | 5315142530 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
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.