Lot 2358

Description

Zeugitania, Carthage, (possibly Siculo-Punic), (c.264-260 B.C.), the time of the First Punic War, gold trihemistater or Attic tridrachm, (12.420 grams), obv. head of Tanit to left wearing necklace with twelve pendants tied at back with ends hanging loosely, a triple pendant earring and a wreath of grain ears, dotted border, rev. horse standing to right on exergual line with head reverted, line border, (S.6470 [p.598], Jenkins Group IX, No.398 [same dies], De Luynes 3749, cf.Kraay-Hirmer 210). Brilliant, minor scratch on field near edge and chin on obverse, otherwise almost free of any imperfections, extremely fine/good extremely fine and very rare.

Ex Probably from Tunis 1948 hoard (ICGH 2271) as are most known examples, ex Marion A. Sinton Collection, sold Triton III, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 1999 (lot 668 illustrated). This type was unique and only known by the De Luynes example until the discovery of the Tunis hoard which increased the number by at least another thirty five examples. The find spot suggests Carthage as the mint, but this is uncertain and likewise also is the date of issue. However to finance the war against Rome a special issue of gold coins would seem likely and if from Carthage it would represent the last gold issue of Carthage. This issue comes from a pair of dies of which only two examples are recorded by Jenkins and Lewis. It is highly probably this piece is the second example noted in that listing by the authors.