Catalogo
| Emittente | Kition |
|---|---|
| Anno | 425 BC - 400 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | ⅓ Siglos |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 3.56 g |
| Diametro | 13 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BMC Greek#37 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Bearded Heracles wearing a lion`s hide on his shoulder, walking towards right. He is holding a bow with outstreched left hand and holding a club above his head with his right hand. Ankh symbol on his right. Beaded ring on the rim. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Lunging lion bringing down a stag that is kneeling towards the right. King`s name above it and all is in a beaded square. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | |
| Legenda del rovescio | |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (425 BC - 400 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 6401051350 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This 1/3 Siglos was issued by Baalmelek II, King of Kition, a prominent Phoenician city-kingdom on Cyprus, during the Late Classical period (425-400 BC). Kition, strategically vital for Mediterranean trade, operated as a semi-autonomous entity under Achaemenid Persian suzerainty. Baalmelek II's coinage underscored Kition's economic independence and political identity, reflecting the city’s significant role and distinct Phoenician heritage. These issues were essential for local commerce.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this coin exemplifies the Phoenician-Cypriot stylistic school, blending indigenous traditions with nascent Greek influences. The obverse typically depicts Herakles, often identified with the Phoenician god Melqart, advancing right, holding a club and bow, clad in a lion-skin. This powerful iconography symbolizes divine protection and royal authority. The reverse features a lion walking right, often with the Phoenician inscription 'b'lmlk' (Baalmelek), asserting the monarch's name.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 3.56 grams and measuring 13 millimeters, this denomination often exhibits characteristics typical of small flan coinage. High-points for preservation on the obverse include Herakles' head, musculature, and the lion-skin's texture. On the reverse, the lion's mane, powerful stance, and the legibility of the Phoenician inscription are critical details. Due to the modest flan size, full inscription visibility and perfect centering can be challenging, though well-struck examples show strong relief.