Phoenicia, Tyre, Pseudo-Autonomous Civic Issue, AE, time of Trajan, Year 112/3 AD – RRR

$170.00

- +
SKU: G12.29 Categories: ,
Share On:

Description

Roman Provincial,  Phoenicia, Tyre, Pseudo-Autonomous Civic Issue, AE (bronze, 9.22g, 22.2mm), time of Trajan, A.D. 98-117, Year 112/3 AD
Obv: Laureate head of Melqart right, lion-skin tied around neck
Rev:  ΤΥΡΟΥ / ΜΗΤΡΟ/ΠΟΛЄⲰΣ / ΗΛΣ (date); club surmounted by monogram ΤΥΡ, Club within oak wreath
Ref: BMC 332; RPC III 3888 Rarity/Choice: Rare, VF (some roughness and smooth surface, otherwise well centered exhibiting full legend)
Note: Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located in modern-day Lebanon, was renowned for its maritime prowess and economic significance in the ancient Mediterranean. Founded around 2750 BC, Tyre developed into a major trading hub due to its strategic location and expertise in shipbuilding and navigation. The city’s prosperity was closely tied to its maritime trade, particularly in purple dye extracted from murex shellfish, which was highly prized in the ancient world. Tyre was also known for its religious significance, with temples dedicated to Melqart (the Phoenician version of Hercules) and Astarte (the goddess of fertility and love). Throughout its history, Tyre was often sought after by various conquerors due to its wealth and strategic importance, leading to conflicts with empires such as Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and eventually Rome. On the obverse, it features the laureate head of Melqart, a Phoenician deity associated with Hercules, facing right, with a lion-skin tied around his neck, symbolizing his strength and valor. Melqart was widely venerated in Tyre as the city’s patron god and a symbol of its maritime power.  On the reverse, the inscriptions indicating the city of Tyre as the issuing authority. In the center is a club, the attribute of Hercules and a symbol of power and authority, surmounted by a monogram ΤΥΡ, representing the city. The club is within an oak wreath, symbolizing victory and honor. This coin reflects Tyre’s strong cultural and religious identity, as well as its status as a significant trading center in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Roman period.

Related products