Shekel Fourree

Historical Context: This Shekel Fourree emerges from Punic Iberia during a pivotal era (227-221 BC), a period of intense Carthaginian consolidation and military buildup under the Barca family. Following Hamilcar's death, his son Hannibal Barca assumed command, preparing for the inevitable conflict with Rome. Issued by an uncertain Iberian mint, this coin likely served to finance Carthaginian military expansion and administration, underscoring the strategic importance of Iberia as a resource base and staging ground for the Second Punic War.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the coin’s artistry adheres to the Punic-Iberian stylistic school, blending indigenous Iberian elements with dominant Carthaginian iconography, often influenced by Hellenistic trends. Typical Shekel designs of this period feature the head of Melqart (identified with Herakles) on the obverse, and a war elephant or a horse and palm tree on the reverse, symbolizing Carthaginian power and presence in Iberia. The execution would reflect the practical demands of military coinage.

Technical/Grading: This Shekel is a fourree, characterized by its silver-plated core, a common practice for augmenting currency supply or as a form of emergency coinage. Weighing 7.77 grams and with a remarkably compact diameter of 11 millimeters, it implies a thick flan. Grading focuses on the integrity of the silver plating, the sharpness of the strike, and the preservation of the underlying design details. High-points would include the facial features of Melqart and the details of the animal on the reverse, often susceptible to wear or plating loss.