Danh mục
| Đơn vị phát hành | Sidon (Phoenician cities) |
|---|---|
| Năm | 401 BC - 366 BC |
| Loại | Standard circulation coin |
| Mệnh giá | 2 Shekel |
| Tiền tệ | Shekel (539-332 BCE) |
| Chất liệu | Silver |
| Trọng lượng | 25.68 g |
| Đường kính | 30 mm |
| Độ dày | |
| Hình dạng | Round (irregular) |
| Kỹ thuật | Hammered |
| Hướng | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Nghệ nhân khắc | |
| Lưu hành đến | |
| Tài liệu tham khảo | Betlyon#17 |
| Mô tả mặt trước | Phoenician galley above waves left. |
|---|---|
| Chữ viết mặt trước | |
| Chữ khắc mặt trước | |
| Mô tả mặt sau | Persian king in chariot left with driver; behind, king of Sidon following, holding sceptre and votive vase. |
| Chữ viết mặt sau | |
| Chữ khắc mặt sau | |
| Cạnh | |
| Xưởng đúc | |
| Số lượng đúc |
ND (401 BC - 366 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 3287485860 |
| Thông tin bổ sung |
Historical Context: This silver dishekel was issued by Baalshillem II, king of Sidon (401-366 BC). Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city-state, functioned as a semi-autonomous client kingdom under the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Baalshillem II's coinage reflects Sidon's immense economic power and maritime dominance, facilitating extensive Mediterranean trade. Issuance of such large silver denominations underscores the city's prosperity and its critical role as a commercial hub, navigating complex political dynamics.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this coin exemplifies the distinctive Phoenician artistic tradition, often incorporating contemporary Greek influences. Sidonian coinage typically features a war galley on the obverse, symbolizing the city's naval prowess. The reverse commonly depicts the Persian Great King or a local ruler in a chariot, a motif signifying Sidon's fealty to the Achaemenid Empire and its regional authority. The design is robust, combining intricate details with a powerful message.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 30mm flan, this 25.68-gram silver dishekel demonstrates considerable craftsmanship. High-points for preservation typically include the mast and ram of the galley on the obverse, and the heads of the horses and the figure in the chariot on the reverse. A superior strike exhibits full detail on these elements, with strong relief and minimal die wear. Off-centering is not uncommon, but well-centered examples with a broad, even strike are highly prized.