Lot 4089
Phoenicia, Sidon. Ba`lshallim I, ca. 420-410 BC. Silver Double Shekel (27.18g). Galley left, with row of shields along bulwark, before embattled city wall with five crenellated towers; in exergue, two lions facing outward. Reverse: King of Persia and driver in chariot left, drawn by three galloping horses; below, incuse goat running left, head reverted; around, double border of dots; all within circular incuse. Betlyon, ANSMN 21, 6.
Exceedingly rare and probably the finest known specimen. Nearly Extremely Fine.
The majestic defensive walls of the great maritime city of Sidon are viewed here as they would have appeared in the late fifth century BC. Probably the oldest of the Phoenician cities and reputedly the mother city of Tyre, Sidon became subject to the overlordship of the Persian kings in the second half of the sixth century. Its celebrated fleet provided the principal naval contingent for Xerxes when he invaded Greece in 480 BC. Kraay suggested that the obverse scene could depict the commissioning of a new galley by the king before the walls of the city, while the heraldically disposed lions below are symbolic of the king's enemies. The reverse shows the King of Persia being driven at high speed in a three-horse chariot.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
The Hunter Collection; Acquired in the early 1980s for the Hunter Collection, but the pedigree ticket has been lost, thus worthy of more research.
|
| |
| Realized $26,450 |
