Phoenician Tyre – Half Shekel – Lifetime of Christ Issue

Just won this at today’s Roma auction. I have a Shekel dated CY 137 which equates to AD 11/12 but, to me, a half shekel lifetime issue seems to be more difficult to find. The metal quality doesn't look brilliant but I really liked the portrait of Melqart which is also well centered even if the reverse is a bit off-centre. The date PMC is also pretty clearly legible in the left field above the club in front of the eagle’s breast, so I’m well pleased.

Please post related coins, including lifetime issues or any additional information regarding this issue.

Auctioneer’s Description:

Phoenicia, Tyre AR Half Shekel. Dated CY 146 = AD 20/21. Laureate bust of Melkart to right / ΤΥPΟΥ ΙΕ[ΡΑΣ Κ]ΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing to left on prow, palm behind; PMς (date) above club to left; KP above monogram to right. DCA Tyre 538; DCA 922; HGC 10, 358. 6.16g, 21mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Very Rare.

 

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Great melkart portrait, usually the obverse dies are pretty worn. You got a nice one. Here's my half shekel and full shekel.



Laureate bust of Melkart right

ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ (of Tyre the holy and inviolable)
Eagle standing left on prow; palm over shoulder, club to the left, flanked by date LM (40) and monogram ΔP to the right.

Tyre; Year 40= 87/86 BC
6.98g

Sear 5921; BMC 225

Ex-HJB Buy or Bid Sale 206, lot 103 (Nov 15, 2018); Ex-Calgary Coin

Removed from NGC holder prior to HJB.
NGC graded Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5; NGC 4278263-010



AR Tetradrachm/Shekel.

Laureate bust of Melkart right, aegis draped about neck

ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ (of Tyre the holy and inviolable)
Eagle standing left on prow; club before, flanked by date PM and KP to right, above monogram.

KP Jerusalem? mint
PM Year 140 (14/15 AD).

Ex Calgary Coins, Ex. Hendin 919, RPC 4655.

13.29g

 

Congratulations on having both the full and half shekels in your collections, @1934 Wreath Crown (nice addition from Roma today) and @Jay GT4! I hope to add a half shekel in the future. Here's my full shekel.




Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. Dated CY 113 = 14/13 BC. Laureate head of Melkart right / ΤΥPΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing left on prow, palm frond behind; to left, PIΓ (date) above club; to right, KP above monogram; Beth between legs. 13.29g, 25mm.

 

Nice one Carl. Another great portrait!

 

This is the only Tyrian shekel in my collection, purchased in the 90s from CNG.

This coin is dated year 138, which works out to 12-13 AD.

RPC Supp. 4654C

14.32 grams



Also, nice acquisition, 1934 Wreath Crown ! Congratulations. It is not easy locating nice examples.

 

Very nice portrait Carl.

 

Love the style and toning on that shekel. These have become very desirable and pricey of late.

 

You're right, prices have climbed a lot for this type. I am looking, but not very earnestly for an earlier example and also for a half shekel, but I am in no hurry.

 

1934 W.C., Nice score . The half shekels are much scarcer than the full shekels . I sold the shekel pictured below at a Heritage auction.

 

That shekel has a sharp strike Al. Hope you got a good price at Heritage, otherwise I'd be upset.

 

The winner paid $930.00 for it. The porosity stopped it from going higher .

 

I'm sorry to admit but the buyer was truly the winner in this case. That coin was worth more IMO.

Here is my AD 11/2 Shekel. Not in great shape but a rare lifetime date and hard to find:

 

Some nice ones in this thread, I really do need to upgrade my example.