Lot 2084
Sicily, Entella. Silver Tetradrachm (17.35 g), ca. 320/15-300 BC. Siculo-Punic issue. Head of Arethusa left, wreathed with grain ears, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; four dolphins around. Reverse: Horse's head right; behind, palm tree. Jenkins 268 (O82/R222); de Luynes 1470 (same obv. die). Boldly struck and well centered. Lustrous surfaces and delicately toned. NGC grade Ch AU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Estimate Value $5,000 - 6,000
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
Probably struck during or in preparation for the great conflict between Punic Carthage and Syracuse under the tyrant Agathokles that raged from 315-307 BC, this tetradrachm illustrates the immense impact of Greek culture on the development of Siculo-Punic coinage. The obverse depiction of the Semitic deity Tanit is lifted directly from Syracusan tetradrachms featuring Persephone-Arethusa - even down to the encircling dolphins. The horse's head reverse may allude to the foundation myth of Carthage, in which the city was founded by Dido of Tyre on a hill where the head of a horse was uncovered. This was an omen of the city's future prowess in war. The small palm tree in the background is a Greek pun on the Phoenician origin of Punic Carthage: the geographical name Phoenicia is derived from phoinix, the Greek word for palm tree.
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| Realized $6,756 |
