Phoenicia, Abdashtart II, Dishekel
334-333 BC - Sidon - Silver - VF(20-25)
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Phoenician galley sailing to left; III III III (Regnal Year 9) above, quadruple line of waves below.
Slow biga advancing left, carrying driver holding reins and Persian king (?) behind; behind chariot, walking to left, attendant (`Abd`aštart II, king of Sidon ?) in Asiatic or Egyptian dress, holding up cultic scepter in right hand and votive vase in left hand.
Despite the significant wear on the reliefs due to circulation, this is a very rare coin. A double shekel, or dishekel, most likely issued during the reign of Abdashtart (`Abd`aštart) II. The coin is recognizable by the costume worn by the figure following the biga, who would be identified as the aforementioned King of Sidon. Struck in his ninth year of reign, it is the penultimate issue referenced for his coinage, which is already rare and sought-after. Pozzi 3061 (RY 6); HGC 10, 260 and Betlyon 42. Faune d'Argent Collection.
25.73 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
