Object Description
Entella, Ca. 320/15 – 305/300 BC
Sicily, Entella Ar. tetradrachm – Punic Issues. Wreathed head of Arethousa left, 4 dolphins around. Rev. Head of horse left, palm tree to right, Punic legend below. gVF; HGC 2, 284. Rare.
The Carthaginians issued large numbers of tetradrachms in Sicily following their conquest of most of the island during the Second Sicilian War (Ca. 410-404 BC). Coins such as this rare example were used as payment for mercenaries, maintenance of garrisons, and the financing of military expeditions for the Carthaginians. The design of the coin is influenced by Classical Syracusan tetradrachms, a widely copied and well-respected type.
Production of Siculo-Punic tetradrachms ceased in the mid-3rd century BC, following the Carthaginian loss of Sicily to the Romans during the 1st Punic war.
For additional information see:
Metcalf, W. E., 2016, The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage. Oxford University Press.
Size: D: 26mm ; 17.23g