© Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
© Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Tetradrachm 350 BC - 315 BC
| Silver | 16.80 g | - |
| Issuer | Carthage (Zeugitana) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 350 BC - 315 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (2) |
| Currency | Shekel |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 16.80 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#194301 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Horse galloping right before palm tree.
Comment
Struck beginning in about 350/40 BC, thus more or less concurrent with the beginnings of the regular Carthaginian gold staters. The marked increase in Punic coinage at this time, coming after a hiatus of 50 or 60 years, met the needs of the Carthaginian state to pay for military operations on the island. This was specially the case after 344 BC when the Syracusans invited Timoleon of Corinth to become their leader. Timoleon rid Syracuse of the troublesome Dionysios as well as his nemesis, Hiketas I, the tyrant of Leontini, and then re-founded the city and established a democracy. All of this lead to a period of Greek revival on the island, which of course led to open conflict with Carthage. (source: Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 80 Catalog)Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm coin from Carthage was used as a form of currency in the ancient city of Carthage, which was located in present-day Tunisia. The coin features an image of the goddess Tanit, who was worshipped by the ancient Carthaginians, on one side, and a stylized image of a lion on the other. The coin was made of silver and weighed 16.80 grams, making it a significant piece of currency in its time. Interestingly, the Tetradrachm coin was not only used for transactions within Carthage but also for trade with other ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. This highlights the advanced economic and trade networks that existed in the ancient world, and the importance of Carthage as a major commercial hub.
