1⁄16 Shekel - Evagoras II

Historical Context: This 1/16 Shekel of Evagoras II (346-342 BC) situates within the turbulent Achaemenid period, reflecting the nuanced political landscape of the Persian Satrapy of Phoenicia. Evagoras II, a Cypriot dynast, was dispossessed from Salamis and subsequently served the Great King Artaxerxes III Ochos, likely as a satrap or military commander in Phoenicia. This coinage, issued under Persian authority, attests to his continued influence and administrative role in the region following his exile, bridging Cypriot dynastic tradition with Achaemenid imperial administration in vital Phoenician coastal cities.

Artistry: The artistic style of this period and region is a syncretic blend, marrying Late Classical Greek aesthetic conventions with indigenous Phoenician iconography and subtle Achaemenid imperial influence. While specific engraver signatures are not known for these fractional issues, the stylistic school is characterized by a Hellenized interpretation of local deities or rulers on the obverse, often exhibiting a stiffness common to provincial issues. The reverse typically features a local symbol, executed with varying precision given the small flan.

Technical/Grading: For this minute silver fraction (0.60 gg, 11 mm), key high-points for grading include the highest relief elements on the obverse, typically the hair, diadem, or facial features of the depicted head, prone to early wear. On the reverse, intricate details such as a galley's rigging, animal musculature, or symbolic elements are critical. The small, often irregular flan frequently results in off-center strikes; a well-centered example with full design elements on both sides is exceptionally rare and highly prized.