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Tetradrachm
| Issuer | Uncertain Siculo-Punic mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 410 BC - 395 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A stylized palm tree occupies the central field, depicted frontally with a tall trunk and broad, drooping fronds spreading symmetrically to either side, with two clusters of dates hanging beneath the fronds. Flanking the base of the trunk on either side are two Punic letters forming the abbreviation 𐤌𐤇, generally interpreted as a mint or magistrate's mark. The design is rendered in a bold, schematic style characteristic of Siculo-Punic coinage of the late fifth to early fourth century BC. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | 𐤌𐤇 |
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| Mint | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
The Siculo-Punic tetradrachms were struck to pay mercenary armies — almost certainly Campanian and Iberian troops — employed by Carthage during its brutal western Sicilian campaigns that began with the sack of Selinus in 409 BC and the destruction of Himera shortly after. The mint itself remains unattributed with confidence; candidates include Panormus, Motya, and a mobile military mint moving with the Carthaginian forces. Jenkins' classification of the P2 group places this among the earliest issues of the series.
The dies were almost certainly cut by Syracusan-trained engravers, which explains the stylistic proximity to contemporary Syracusan coinage — a deliberate choice to ensure acceptability among Greek mercenaries accustomed to that currency.