PUNIC SPAIN. Carthago Nova. Carthaginian Occupation, Time of Hannibal. Ca. 237-209 BC. AR shekel (22mm, 6.05 gm, 12h). NGC Choice VF 3/5 - 4/5. Carthago Nova. Bare male head (Hannibal?) left / Horse right, palm tree behind; Punic letter zayin below. SNG BM Spain 111. cf. SNG Copenhagen (North Africa) 295 (no Punic letter). Very rare. Nice portrait with areas of golden red toning. The distinctive obverse head has been variously described in the literature as a depiction of Melqart, a Semitic version of Heracles, or Hannibal in the guise of the god, or possibly his brother Mago. Modern scholarship, which tends to be suspicious of early claims to see portraits in images of gods, interprets the head as that of Melqart. However, the distinct physiognomy of the nose and other facial features, as well as the sideburns, suggest an attempt at true portraiture.

HID09801242017

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