TheNewYorkSaleauctionXL

1150

Zeugitania, Carthage. Electrum Stater (7.40 g), ca. 290-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left. Rev. Horse

standing right on ground-line. (Jenkins & Lewis grp. VII, 365 (same dies); MAA 13; SNG Copenhagen 988

(same obv. die)). Deeper yellow than usually seen and Very fine style. Nearly extremely fine.

$ 2,500

Fabulous Carthaginian Punic Portrait Issue

Silver Shekel , ca. 237-209 BC

1151

Iberia, Punic issues. Silver Shekel (7.28 g), ca. 237-209 BC. Diademed male head (Hasdrubal?) left. Rev.

Prow of galley right, with shield on deck and wreathed forepost terminating in a bird’s head to which is

attached a pennant; in exergue, dolphin right. (Robinson pp. 37-38, pl. II, 4c; ACIP 543; SNG BM 91).

Very

rare.

Toned. Very fine.

$ 10,000

While the prow reverse of this coin obviously refers to Carthaginian sea power, the diademed head on the obverse is less certain.

Although it could represent a Carthaginian deity, it gives the strong impression of a portrait. This has led to the suggestion that it

represents none other than Hasdrubal, son of the famous Hamilcar Barca, and brother of the legendary Hannibal. Hasdrubal was left

to command the Punic forces in Iberia when Hannibal departed for his invasion of Italy in 218 BC. He followed with reinforcements

in 209 BC, but was defeated and killed by Roman forces at the battle of the Metaurus. The head of the hapless Hasdrubal was

thrown into the camp of Hannibal as a warning of the defeat that the Romans intended to inflict on the Carthaginians.