The New York Sale
Auction 42 9 Jan 2018
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Sicily, Entella Siculo-Punic mint. Silver Tetradrachm (17.14 g), ca. 340-320 BC. Possibly Kephaloidion, Panormos, or a Carthaginian mobile mint. Head of Tanit right, wreathed with grain leaves, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; before, two dolphins opposed. rev. Horse standing right; in background, palm tree with two bunches of fruits. Jenkins 103 (O35/R93); HGC-2-275. Attractively toned and of lovely Punic style. Flan crack at 1 o'clock. We also note faint hairline scratches on the reverse. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $2,000
From the Dionysus Collection.
Although Carthage had its own traditions in connection with horses, the horse reverse of this tetradrachm seems to be drawn from the "free horse" type brought from southern Italy to Sicily by Campanian mercenaries, many of whom sought Punic service against the Greek cities during the epic struggles for control of Sicily in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. It was an appropriate type for coins struck largely to pay Campanian and other mercenaries. The obverse type, on the other hand, imitates the popular Persephone type of Syracuse (ironically the chief opponent of Punic expansion into eastern Sicily). Here, however, the Greek grain goddess is reinterpreted as the Punic Tanit, the great goddess of Carthage.
From the Dionysus Collection.
Although Carthage had its own traditions in connection with horses, the horse reverse of this tetradrachm seems to be drawn from the "free horse" type brought from southern Italy to Sicily by Campanian mercenaries, many of whom sought Punic service against the Greek cities during the epic struggles for control of Sicily in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. It was an appropriate type for coins struck largely to pay Campanian and other mercenaries. The obverse type, on the other hand, imitates the popular Persephone type of Syracuse (ironically the chief opponent of Punic expansion into eastern Sicily). Here, however, the Greek grain goddess is reinterpreted as the Punic Tanit, the great goddess of Carthage.