The New York Sale
Auction 40 11 January 2017
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ANCIENT COINS, ANCIENT GREEK COINS, Iberia, Punic issues. Silver Shekel (7.28 g), ca. 237-209 BC. Diademed male head (Hasdrubal?) left. Rev. Prow of galley right, with shield on deck and wreathed forepost terminating in a bird's head to which is attached a pennant; in exergue, dolphin right. (Robinson pp. 37-38, pl. II, 4c; ACIP 543; SNG BM 91). Very rare. Toned. Very fine.
While the prow reverse of this coin obviously refers to Carthaginian sea power, the diademed head on the obverse is less certain. Although it could represent a Carthaginian deity, it gives the strong impression of a portrait. This has led to the suggestion that it represents none other than Hasdrubal, son of the famous Hamilcar Barca, and brother of the legendary Hannibal. Hasdrubal was left to command the Punic forces in Iberia when Hannibal departed for his invasion of Italy in 218 BC. He followed with reinforcements in 209 BC, but was defeated and killed by Roman forces at the battle of the Metaurus. The head of the hapless Hasdrubal was thrown into the camp of Hannibal as a warning of the defeat that the Romans intended to inflict on the Carthaginians.
Estimate: $ 10,000
While the prow reverse of this coin obviously refers to Carthaginian sea power, the diademed head on the obverse is less certain. Although it could represent a Carthaginian deity, it gives the strong impression of a portrait. This has led to the suggestion that it represents none other than Hasdrubal, son of the famous Hamilcar Barca, and brother of the legendary Hannibal. Hasdrubal was left to command the Punic forces in Iberia when Hannibal departed for his invasion of Italy in 218 BC. He followed with reinforcements in 209 BC, but was defeated and killed by Roman forces at the battle of the Metaurus. The head of the hapless Hasdrubal was thrown into the camp of Hannibal as a warning of the defeat that the Romans intended to inflict on the Carthaginians.
Estimate: $ 10,000