Phoenicia, Arados, Uncertain King, AR Twelfth Shekel, Ba’al-Arwad / Galley

$40.00

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SKU: G9.8 Categories: ,

Description

Greek, Phoenicia, Arados, Uncertain King, AR  (silver, 0.68g, 8.7mm), Twelfth Shekel
Obv:  Laureate head of Ba’al-Arwad to right, with profile eye
Rev: Galley right, Pataikos on prow, above waves M A (in Aramaic)); [all within incuse square (top) and circle (bottom)]
Ref:  E&E-A Group III.2.4; HGC 10, 47 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF (slightly off-flan and area of weakness otherwise, toned)
Note: Arados, also known as Arwad or Arvad, was an ancient Phoenician city situated on an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of present-day Tartus, Syria. On the obverse side of the coin, there is a laureate head facing right, identified as Ba’al-Arwad, the chief deity worshipped in Arados. The laurel wreath, a symbol of victory or divine status, adorns Ba’al-Arwad’s head, as he was often depicted wearing it, symbolizing his significance as the city’s god.
On the reverse side, a galley, a type of ancient ship, is depicted sailing right. At the prow (front) of the ship stands Pataikos, a deity associated with protection and good fortune. The waves beneath the ship represent the sea, highlighting Arados’s maritime importance as a city built on islands.
This coin illustrates both the religious and economic significance of Arados in Phoenicia. The depictions of Ba’al-Arwad and Pataikos reflect the city’s religious beliefs and its reliance on maritime trade. The use of the twelfth shekel denomination indicates the importance of this small denomination in the city’s economy and trade transactions.
Overall, this coin provides valuable insights into the culture, religion, and commerce of ancient Phoenicia, particularly in the city of Arados