Sidon, Phoenicia, 400 BC, Obol

Sidon, Phoenicia, Obol, AR, approximately 400 BC. Weight: 0.77g; Diameter: approximately 10mm. The obverse features a detailed depiction of a Persian king or hero standing to the right, engaged in combat with a lion, wielding a dagger. On the reverse, a Phoenician galley is shown sailing to the left. The coin is intricately struck, with well-defined motifs on both sides, indicative of the fine craftsmanship of the period. The references for this coin include HGC 10, 257.

This coin originates from the ancient city of Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city-state, around 400 BC, a time when Phoenicia was under Persian control. The imagery on the obverse with a Persian figure underscores the local acknowledgment of Persian authority, while the reverse emphasizes Sidon's stature as a major seafaring and trading hub in the ancient Mediterranean. Sidon's economic strength and cultural connections are reflected in its coinage, making this obol a valuable testament to the city's historical significance.