Object Description
A fine Phoenician silver shekel of Tyre set in a modern silver frame. The pendant comprises a hollow-formed U-shaped hoop which twists at the top into a small loop and expands at the sides into two enlarged terminals, pierced to accommodate a separate silver bar for the swivel. The hoop is enriched by four equally spaced bands of twisted silver wire and holds an additional suspension loop at the top. The front of the pendant features the coin’s obverse, which depicts the laureate bust of Melkart facing right, whilst the reverse shows a standing eagle facing left, with a palm branch behind. Part of the legend ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑ[Σ] [ΚΑΙ] [ΑΣΥ]ΛΟΥ (Turou ieras kai asylou) is still visible around the coin’s edge. Written in the genitive case, the Greek inscription translates to “[the coinage] of Tyre, the holy and inviolable’. The Greek letter PΛ and KP are set in the filed at either side of the bird to indicate the mint.
Please note, the chain is for reference only, we do have chains available upon enquiry.
Date: Circa 126 BC – AD 65