Phoenicia, Tyre, 91/90 BC. AR Half Shekel (7.24 g) dated year 36. Laureate head right of Melqart. Reverse: Eagle standing left; year above club in left field. BMC 222v (cf. BMC 128 for a similar monogram). Well struck except the eagle's head, we note a spot of crystallization on Melqart's forehead. About Extremely Fine. The half shekel denomination is significantly rarer than the full shekels, with the quarter shekel being very rare and seldom seen. While the British Museum Catalogue describes 163 shekels, only 33 half shekels are noted. The earlier, finer-style issues, as this one, are particularly desirable. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Categories:
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