Phoenicia, Tyre. Silver 1/4 Shekel (3.24 g), ca. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. CY 4 (123/2 BC). Laureate bust of Melkart right, lion's skin tied at neck. Reverse: TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY, eagle standing left on prow, palm on far wing; in left field, date (L Δ) and club; between eagle's legs, ZB monogram above 'bet'. Hendin -; DCA Suppl. -; cf. HGC 10, 359. Unique - a new date for the denomination. A fabulous example of this important rarity. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $4,000 - UP
From the S. Moussaieff Collection.
The present coin presents a new date for the Tyrian 1/4 shekel denomination, previously only known for years 2, 5, 6, 9 and 16. The discovery is not surprising as the denomination is quite rare, having just a few specimens of each date known. Particularly interesting on this coin is the moneyer's control mark (ZB monogram) appearing between the legs of he eagle instead of in the right field where it is normally found. Although unrecorded for year 4 shekels and 1/2 shekels, the ZB monogram is known for year 3 shekels as well as for later dates. Even more peculiar than the placement of the moneyer's monogram between the eagle's legs, however, is the addition of the Phoenician letter 'bet' below it. This is the normal placement for the Phoenician letter, of course, but to have both crammed into such a small space when there is the entire open right field is unique to this coin.