Danh mục
| Đơn vị phát hành | Carthage |
|---|---|
| Năm | 215 BC - 201 BC |
| Loại | Standard circulation coin |
| Mệnh giá | 1 Shekel |
| Tiền tệ | Shekel |
| Chất liệu | Copper |
| Trọng lượng | 6.7 g |
| Đường kính | 24 mm |
| Độ dày | 1 mm |
| Hình dạng | Round (irregular) |
| Kỹ thuật | Hammered |
| Hướng | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Nghệ nhân khắc | |
| Lưu hành đến | |
| Tài liệu tham khảo | SNG Copenhagen#314 |
| Mô tả mặt trước | Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain, earrings and necklace; dotted border |
|---|---|
| Chữ viết mặt trước | |
| Chữ khắc mặt trước | |
| Mô tả mặt sau | Horse standing right on exergual line with head turned left, palm tree in background, star in right field |
| Chữ viết mặt sau | |
| Chữ khắc mặt sau | |
| Cạnh | |
| Xưởng đúc | |
| Số lượng đúc |
ND (215 BC - 201 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2271165560 |
| Thông tin bổ sung |
Historical Context: This Æ Shekel was struck by Carthage during the tumultuous Second Punic War (218-201 BC), specifically 215-201 BC. This period saw Carthage at the height of its struggle against Rome, with Hannibal Barca’s campaigns straining resources. Issuing base metal coinage like this copper shekel was critical for funding the war, paying mercenaries, and facilitating daily commerce when precious metals were scarce. It reflects the desperate economic measures undertaken by the Carthaginian Senate to sustain their empire.
Artistry: The design of this Æ Shekel exemplifies the characteristic Punic artistic style of Carthage, often incorporating Hellenistic influences. Engravers remain anonymous, but the artistry reflects prevailing numismatic conventions. The obverse typically features the head of the goddess Tanit or Persephone, wreathed in corn, symbolizing fertility. The reverse commonly depicts a horse or horse's head, frequently with a palm tree, both potent symbols of Carthaginian identity, power, and cavalry strength, deeply rooted in their culture.
Technical/Grading: This copper shekel, weighing 6.7 grams and measuring 24 millimeters, represents a substantial module. High-points for wear or strike quality include the intricate details of the goddess's hair and facial features on the obverse, and the musculature, mane, and eye of the horse on the reverse. Due to wartime production demands, strike quality can vary significantly, often exhibiting off-centering, uneven metal flow, or minor planchet flaws. Well-centered examples with strong, complete strikes on both sides are highly prized.