Greek Coin. Punic Tetradrachm of Entella. 320-305 BC.
Production date
0320 BCE-0305 BCE
Country
Italy
State/Province
Sicily
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Object detail
Description
Obv: Head of Arethousa l., wearing barley-wreath, earring, and necklace; around, four dolphins / Rev: Horse’s head l.; behind, palm tree with date clusters. Below neck truncation, ‘mmhnt in Punic characters.
Classification
NUMISMATICS (COINS AND TOKENS) Ancient Greek Coins
Production date
0320 BCE-0305 BCE
Production place
Measurements
25mm (diameter)
4.5mm (thickness)
14gm (weight)
4.5mm (thickness)
14gm (weight)
Media/Materials description
silver
Signature/Marks
‘mmhnt
History and use
This tetradrachm was minted by Carthaginians who settled in Central and Western Sicily, which is explained by the reverse Punic legend ‘MMḤNT (“people of the encampment”). The obverse depicts the nymph Arethousa (patron deity of Syracuse), surrounded by four dolphins, in the Euainetos style. The reverse features a horse head (a reference to Carthage’s mythical origins with Dido) and a palm tree, both of which represent a combination of Syracusan and Carthaginian artistic styles.
History is contained in the designs and the imagery on coins were used as an opportunity to send messages concerning power, ideology, commemoration, and to bestow honour. Yet, more than that, coins are also dynamic items of material culture. They are small, portable and durable, and have been used for millennia to enable the transaction of goods and services. Coins are also part of everyday life, and unlike other items of material culture, tend not to have one owner; indeed, each coin has been passed through multiple people’s hands through time.
History is contained in the designs and the imagery on coins were used as an opportunity to send messages concerning power, ideology, commemoration, and to bestow honour. Yet, more than that, coins are also dynamic items of material culture. They are small, portable and durable, and have been used for millennia to enable the transaction of goods and services. Coins are also part of everyday life, and unlike other items of material culture, tend not to have one owner; indeed, each coin has been passed through multiple people’s hands through time.
Registration number
N2330
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