SICILY. Siculo-Punic. Uncertain Punic Mint. AR 5 Shekels (Dekadrachm) (37.77 gms), ca. 264-241 B.C. NGC Ch EF, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5. Fine Style. Light Smoothing. HGC-2, 1664; Jenkins-436 (O1"/R6); Weber-4685 (same dies). Obverse: Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath and single-pendant earring; Reverse: Pegasos flying right; Punic legend below. A stunning and impressive example, this fabled type is perennially sought by the most advanced and ambitious cabinets of Greek <strong>RARITIES</strong>, as specimens are not often encountered. This piece exhibits some of the typical die rust from the further deterioration of Jenkins first obverse die, along with some commonly seen minor roughness and subsequent smoothing, owing to its time while lost to mankind. Nevertheless, a charming tone has started to develop, with some alluring iridescence seen in the lower peripheries of the reverse. Given the die rotation, it is possible that this specimen is Jenkins-436.4, emanating from the Palermo hoard of 1958 (IGCH 2208). From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection.
