Sicily, Lilybaion. c. 330 - 305 BC
Sicily, Lilybaion. c. 330 - 305 BC
AR Tetradrachm, 16.83g (27mm, 10h).
Charioteer driving in a quadriga to the r., crowned by Nike flying to the l., RŠMLQR' in Punic below / Head of Tanit-Persephone with a wreath of ears of corn between three dolphins to the r.
Pedigree: Ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Monetarium FPL 55, Spring 1991, Lot 30. Ex Hess-Divo Auction 19, 1962, Lot 125.
References: Jenkins, Punic Sicily 50.1 pl. 19 O18 / R38 (this coin), SNG Lloyd 1601 (obv. unc.), BMC 15 (obv. unc.), Boston MFA 269 (obv. unc.).
Grade: Attractive toned surfaces with good strike. Nice old pedigree back to 1962. EF
gk2054
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Struck in Lilybaion, Carthage's principal stronghold in western Sicily, this coin stands testament to a very turbulent time in history. After the fall of Motya in 397 BC Carthaginian forces fell back to Lilybaion, and transformed it into their main naval base and administrative center on the island. Having a secure stronghold was vital, since the Sicilian countryside faced conflicts throughout the 4th-3rd centuries. This included the Timoleontic, Agathoclean, Agathoclean, and Punic wars! It is quite likely that this coin was struck to pay various mercenary forces.