Dishekel

Carthage struck these heavy silver pieces during the final half-century of its existence, a period defined by the catastrophic terms imposed after the Second Punic War — massive indemnities payable to Rome over fifty years, the surrender of the war fleet, and a prohibition on making war without Roman permission. The city nevertheless rebuilt its commercial wealth substantially, and silver coinage continued to circulate through North African trade networks. When Rome finally razed Carthage in 146 BC, the mint ceased permanently. Surviving examples from this terminal phase are frequently found with light banker's marks, evidence of active mercantile use right to the end.