PHOENICIA. Tyre. Ca. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR shekel (27mm, 14.01 gm, 12h). NGC XF

Description

Phoenicia: Tyre

Denomination: AR Shekel
Date: Ca. 126/5 BC–AD 65/6
Civic Year: 20 (107/6 BC)
Weight: 14.01 g
Diameter: 27 mm
Orientation: 12h

Obverse:

• Design: Laureate bust of Melqart right, wearing a lion skin tied around his neck
• Inscription: None specified

Reverse:

• Design: Eagle standing left on prow, palm over right wing; club downward in left field; HAP monogram in right field; bet (Phoenician) between legs
• Inscription: ΤΥΠΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ-ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ (Tyre, Sacred and Asylum City)
• Date: LK (Civic Year 20)

References:

• DCA Tyre 58

Condition:

• Grading: NGC XF 4/5 – 2/5
• Notes: Marks

Historical Context:

This shekel from Tyre, dated to Civic Year 20, is a remarkable example of Phoenician coinage during the late Hellenistic period. Tyre, a prominent city-state in Phoenicia, was renowned for its economic prosperity and its role as a major trading hub in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Melqart, the deity depicted on the obverse, was a central figure in Tyrian religion, often associated with Hercules in the Greek world. The lion skin he wears is a common attribute, symbolizing strength and heroic status.

On the reverse, the eagle standing on a prow is a symbol of power and authority, reflecting the city’s naval prowess. The club and Phoenician bet are additional symbols associated with Melqart. The inscription “ΤΥΠΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ-ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ” highlights Tyre’s status as a “Sacred and Asylum City,” emphasizing its special privileges and sacred status in the region.

The shekel’s weight and design indicate its use in high-value transactions, likely reflecting Tyre’s continued importance in trade and commerce. The coin’s inclusion in the DCA Tyre collection underscores its significance in understanding the economic and cultural history of ancient Phoenicia.

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