I was following the link shared by @Kavax here https://www.cointalk.com/threads/colosseo-collection.256226/page-3 and enjoying the awesome coins published in the Nomos auction. Lo and behold, I have one Tetradrachm like their Lot 62, which they say is very rare. It is from my dad's collection and he had it in a small picture frame for as long as I can remember, so I guess it had a special meaning for him. It is still in the picture frame (not air-tight), and it seems a bit dirty; never been cleaned, maybe a should try some mild cleaning (water & soap, or maybe sodium thiosulphate?) I really don't care if a coin is rare or not, but it is quite nice to know I have one: AR Tetradrachm, Sicily, uncertain Punic military mint, possibly Entella, ca. 320 – 310 BC 24 x 26 mm, 16.68 g Rizzo pl. LXVI, 6; Jameson 911; SNG Lloyd 1628; Kraay-Hirmer pl. 73, 209; Jenkins SNR 56, 1977, pl. 61, 270 (all same dies). Aspects of the engraving style led Jenkins to conclude that they belonged at the end of his series 2d (head of Kore/horse animated before palm tree) or the beginning of his series 3 (dolphins around the head of Arethusa/horse head and palm tree). This being the case, this coinage may well be associated with the Carthaginian invasion of Sicily in their war against Agathokles. Indeed, Jenkins goes so far as to suggest they may have been specially minted for the 2,000 elite citizens who headed the new Carthaginian armada led by Hamilcar Gisgo. Please share your stories about surprises you had with any of your coins Ob: Head of 'Dido-Tanit' to left, exuberantly curled hair, wearing Phrygian cap encircled with plain diadem tied above forehead Rev.: Lion walking to left, head facing; behind, a palm tree with three clusters of dates; S'MMHNT (People of the Camp) in exergue
Try two programs : One is called PhotoScape ( short dl , Free) , the other called LunaPic( Free, No download)
I indeed would classify that as a rare Siculo-Punic issue. I have never seen it before, and I usually pay attention to Carthaginian coins. I do not have a high end collection of them, but enjoy them.
Wow, @cmezner ! Congrats, great coin, but the attachment to your Father is the most meaningful. That is the best attribution. No real sentimental value in my coin, however, @TIF graciously performed some great detecting work on my Mercenary War Shekel. This was struck by the OTHER side. I have shown this before, but I really enjoy Carthage Empire coins, and yours is just plain gorgeous! Carthage-LIBYAN UPRISING - Mercenaries issue Mercenary War 241-238 BCE 7.36g AR Shekel Herakles Head in Lion's Head- Lion walking; Punic M above; LIBYA below R SNG Cop 240f Overstrike Coins were struck in the name of Libya and "M", which has been taken as either "machanat" - the Camp (of the mercenaries), or perhaps Matho, their leader @TIF was the savior with some incredible detective work to SOLVE the overstrike / Understrike coin https://www.cointalk.com/threads/overstrike-detective-work.335938/ “ The wheat grains are partly off flan on the example host coin but I think in total it is enough to declare it a definite match for the undertype .” She ultimately deduced the Understruck coin... and I actually have an example in my collection! Bizarre coincidence. Carthage Zeugitania Libyan Revolt AR Shekel 24mm 7.34g 241-238 BCE Wreathed Tanit Horse stndg control mark and Punic M SNG Cop 236
@cmezner : It would be nice if you could post better photos. It is a coin extremely rare, extremely expensive and extremely... copied by skilled forgers. I'm afraid your coin is one of them especially when we see the fake black patina just put on the weak points of the copies. cf the description of F17 on the Jenkins article p.43
Lybian Revolt Billon Shekel 241-238 BC Obv Head of beardless Herakles left in lion skin headdress Rv, Lion prowling right. Sear 6544. 7.53 grams 21 mm Photo by W. Hansen It is interesting that the authorities in revolt against Carthage chose this reverse type which does to some degree mimic the reverse on the "Dido" Sicilio Punic Tetradrachm. The coins that were issued were of a debased silver content roughly 40 % Though this issue appears to have been a straight billon coinage, other types in order to make them look more like silver had the copper bleached using arsenic.
It has been in a non-airtight picture frame for decades, I would dare to say that this one and three others also framed, must have been either from my dad's father or from my father when he started his collection, around 18 years old. edited - removing personal info
Thank you. Unfortunately it is quite obvious that the coin has been cast. BTW this does not detract from its sentimental value linked to the history of your family.
