Phoenicia, Sidon, Uncertain King, AR Half Shekel – RRRR

$1,950.00

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Description

Greek, Phoenicia, Sidon, Uncertain King, AR Half Shekel, 5.91g, 17.4mm)
Obv: Phoenician galley (pentekonter) sailing left over waves; waves below
Rev: Persian king or hero standing right, drawing bow, quiver over shoulder; behind, incuse facing head (Bes?); before, incuse head of goat right; all within incuse square
Ref:  Sunrise 117; Rouvier 1078; SNG Copenhagen 188-9 Rarity/Choice: Very Rare, VF (somewhat irregular flan, possibly from a test cut, with minor cleaning scratches, otherwise, lightly toned with legends nicely centered, exhibiting lovely details)
Note: Phoenicia, an ancient region located along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, was renowned for its maritime prowess, trade networks, and cultural contributions. The Phoenicians, particularly the city of Sidon, were master shipbuilders and seafarers. They developed advanced sailing vessels, such as the pentekonter, a type of galley with fifty oars, which became emblematic of Phoenician maritime power. These ships played a crucial role in facilitating trade across the Mediterranean and beyond, allowing Phoenician merchants to establish colonies and commercial outposts in various regions.

Sidon, one of the most prominent Phoenician city-states, flourished as a maritime and trading hub. Its wealth and influence were built upon extensive maritime trade networks, connecting Phoenicia with Egypt, Greece, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia. The city’s prosperity attracted the attention of the Persian Empire, which sought to incorporate Phoenician naval power into its military endeavors.
During the reign of the Achaemenid Persian kings, the Phoenician navy, with its formidable galleys, played a crucial role in the Persian military. The Persians recognized the strategic importance of Phoenician maritime expertise and employed Phoenician ships and sailors in their conquests and campaigns. These galleys, including the pentekonter depicted on the coin, were instrumental in naval battles and expeditions, contributing to the expansion of the Persian Empire across the Mediterranean and into Greece.
The coin’s imagery reflects this symbiotic relationship between Phoenicia and Persia. On the obverse, the Phoenician pentekonter is depicted sailing left over waves, symbolizing Phoenicia’s maritime dominance and seafaring prowess. On the reverse, a representation of the King of Persia is shown standing right, drawing a bow, with a quiver over his shoulder. This imagery emphasizes the Persian king’s military might and authority, as well as his reliance on Phoenician naval support for military conquests. The incuse facing head, possibly that of the protective deity Bes, and the incuse head of a goat, may represent additional symbolic elements of protection and strength associated with Phoenician and Persian cultures, respectively.

In summary, the coin of Phoenicia, Sidon, provides a glimpse into the significant role of Phoenician maritime power in the ancient Mediterranean world and its collaboration with the Persian Empire for military endeavors. The imagery reflects the intertwined histories of Phoenicia and Persia, highlighting the importance of naval strength in the geopolitics of the time.

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