The New York Sale
Auction 57 10 Jan 2023
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Sicily, Entella. Silver Tetradrachm (16.92 g), ca. 320/15-300 BC. Siculo-Punic issue. Head of Arethusa left, wreathed with grain ears, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; four dolphins around. Reverse: 'Mem', Horse's head right; behind, palm tree. Jenkins 263 (O81/R219); SNG Lloyd 1641 (same obv. die). Superb and lustrous. Lightly toned. Nearly Mint State. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
Probably struck during or in preparation for the great conflict between Punic Carthage and Syracuse under the tyrant Agathokles that raged from 315-307 BC, this tetradrachm illustrates the immense impact of Greek culture on the development of Siculo-Punic coinage. The obverse depiction of the Semitic deity Tanit is lifted directly from Syracusan tetradrachms featuring Persephone-Arethusa - even down to the encircling dolphins. The horse's head reverse may allude to the foundation myth of Carthage, in which the city was founded by Dido of Tyre on a hill where the head of a horse was uncovered. This was an omen of the city's future prowess in war. The small palm tree in the background is a Greek pun on the Phoenician origin of Punic Carthage: the geographical name Phoenicia is derived from phoinix, the Greek word for palm tree.
Probably struck during or in preparation for the great conflict between Punic Carthage and Syracuse under the tyrant Agathokles that raged from 315-307 BC, this tetradrachm illustrates the immense impact of Greek culture on the development of Siculo-Punic coinage. The obverse depiction of the Semitic deity Tanit is lifted directly from Syracusan tetradrachms featuring Persephone-Arethusa - even down to the encircling dolphins. The horse's head reverse may allude to the foundation myth of Carthage, in which the city was founded by Dido of Tyre on a hill where the head of a horse was uncovered. This was an omen of the city's future prowess in war. The small palm tree in the background is a Greek pun on the Phoenician origin of Punic Carthage: the geographical name Phoenicia is derived from phoinix, the Greek word for palm tree.