★ An extremely rare drachm from Azotos (Ashdod) in exceptional condition ★

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE). Azotos (Ashdod). Mid 5th century-333 BC. Drachm (Silver, 14 mm, 3.73 g, 2 h). Archaic-style janiform head, composed of a female to right and a bearded male to left, wearing headdreass in the form of a bovine recumbent to left. Rev. Bovine recumbent to right, head to left, with small owl concealed in its body; below, two ram's heads facing each other; above, 𐤔𐤃𐤃 ('shdd' in Phoenician); all within incuse square. Gitler & Tal II.5Da ( same dies ). Extremely rare. An incredibly interesting and attractive piece. Test cut on the reverse and a few minor die breaks, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the Canaan Collection.

An interesting minor detail about this wonderful coin is the small owl concealed in the forepart of the bovine's body on the reverse, a playful memento of the deep influence the Athenian owls had on the coinage of the Levante and beyond.