Sicily, Punic. Entella. AR Tetradrachm

Sicily, Punic. Entella. AR Tetradrachm (17.37 g). Circa 320/15–300 BC.

Obv. Wreathed head of Arethousa right, four dolphins swimming around.

Rev. Head of horse left; to right, palm tree; below, Punic legend MMḤNT.

Refs: HGC 2, 286; Jenkins 189 (O55/R166).

This handsome silver tetradrachm belongs to the coinage struck by the Carthaginians in western Sicily, following their occupation of Entella. The obverse imitates the renowned Syracusan type with the head of Arethousa and attendant dolphins, chosen for its prestige and wide recognition, yet executed in a distinctly Punic style. The reverse features a finely rendered horse’s head, emblematic of Carthage, accompanied by a palm tree and the Punic inscription MMḤNT, meaning “people of the camp,” a reference to the military forces settled in the city.

The Entella series represents the fusion of Greek and Punic iconography at a moment when Sicily was the contested ground between Carthage and the Greek poleis, particularly Syracuse. These issues served both as practical currency and as propaganda, asserting Carthaginian authority while appropriating Greek civic imagery.

Condition: NGC graded Choice Extremely Fine ★, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. #6711745-012 Very well centred and struck on both sides, with pleasing toning and lustre. A superior example of this historically significant and visually appealing type.