1⁄16 Shekel - Abdashtart I Sidon

Đơn vị phát hành Sidon
Năm 370 BC - 358 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1⁄16 Shekel
Tiền tệ Shekel (539-332 BCE)
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 0.74 g
Đường kính 10 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Coin alignment ↑↓
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BMC Greek#36, GCV#5940, Betlyon#27
Mô tả mặt trước War galley sailing left with rowers, oars and shields; zigzag depicting the sea.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước PHOENICIAN LETTER (B).
Mô tả mặt sau Persian king standing right, battling lion standing left on hind legs in incuse square
Chữ viết mặt sau
Chữ khắc mặt sau PHOENICIAN LETTER (`).
Cạnh Smooth
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (370 BC - 358 BC) - (fr) Betlyon 27 -
ID Numisquare 5315142530
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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