Not my area and again I come here. Standard questions: 1) What is it? 2) Does it look real/fake? 3) What is the value if real? Thanks!
It looks to be a Ptolemy tet. I cannot say one way or the other real or fake since I don't know much about these coins. It would help if you could weigh and measure the coin. Value should be mid to upper three digits.
It is supposed to be a shekel (or half shekel) of Tyre, one of the "30 pieces of silver" in the Bible. You may read about them here. They're actually not uncommon, just in such high demand because of their supposed biblical connection that their prices are high and they are a widely faked type. I'm not sure if there has ever been a "is this an authentic shekel of Tyre" post on CoinTalk in which the posted coin was deemed likely to be authentic. Looks fake to me.
I just purchased this one from a reputable dealer on ebay and for less than $100. Condition is poor but the others are out of my price range. This is actually an earlier issue of Antiochus VII then the "thirty pieces" issues I believe. He was called the Euergetes, "The benefactor" due to his kind rulership. If anyone sees anything off about it please let me know. Seleukid Kingdom: Antiochos VII Euergetes AR Tetradrachm Tyre Mint 138-129 BC Obverse: Diademed and draped bust right Reverse: Eagle standing left on prow left; palm frond behind; to left, monogram above club surmounted by Tyre monogram; to right, monogram above BΠP (date); monogram between legs References: SC 2109.10c; HGC 9, 1074; DCA 198 Size: 26mm, 13.20g
