The New York Sale
Auction 42 9 Jan 2018
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Phoenicia, Byblos. 'Ozba'al. Silver Shekel (13.28 g), ca. 400-365 BC. Galley sailing left above waves, carrying three hoplites; below, hippocamp left above murex shell, Aramaic 'ZO' between galley and hippocamp. rev. ''Ozba'al, King of Gebal', lion bringing down bull left. Cf. Betlyon 14 (lacking 'ZO'); HGC 10, 133. Reverse struck from a somewhat worn die. Lovely natural iridescent tone. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500
From the Dionysus Collection.
Byblos was the Greek name given to the northern Phoenician city of Gebal, which has been considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city was ruled by a local dynasty of kings who were often vassals of the great Near Eastern powers of Egypt, Assyria, and Persia. This shekel was struck by the obscure Byblian king 'Ozba'al under Persian domination. The obverse advertises the naval power of the city by depicting one of its galleys carrying warriors. Indeed, the terrifying power of the Persian fleet was largely due to the ships and sailors drawn from Phoenician cities like Byblos. The scene of the lion attacking a bull on the reverse and other variations on this animal fight theme were a commonplace of Near Eastern and especially Persian decorative art.
From the Dionysus Collection.
Byblos was the Greek name given to the northern Phoenician city of Gebal, which has been considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city was ruled by a local dynasty of kings who were often vassals of the great Near Eastern powers of Egypt, Assyria, and Persia. This shekel was struck by the obscure Byblian king 'Ozba'al under Persian domination. The obverse advertises the naval power of the city by depicting one of its galleys carrying warriors. Indeed, the terrifying power of the Persian fleet was largely due to the ships and sailors drawn from Phoenician cities like Byblos. The scene of the lion attacking a bull on the reverse and other variations on this animal fight theme were a commonplace of Near Eastern and especially Persian decorative art.