SYRIA. Phoenicia. Tyre. AR Shekel (14.34 gms), dated CY 47 (80/79 B.C.). NGC Ch EF, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 5/5. HGC-10, 357. Obverse: Laureate bust of Melkart right, with drapery tied around neck; Reverse: Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond behind; to left, ZM (date) above downward club; Phoenician B between legs, monogram to right. Though the obverse is struck slightly off-center, all the design elements are visible, with the reverse offering a bold and impressive strike. Highly attractive and appealing, with some alluring cabinet toning as one approaches the peripheries and all upon a broad flan of good metal. A star designation could have easily been granted for its superior appearance--as such, a "Biblical"-related piece that will undoubtedly stand out within its new collection.
