Greek Coins Iberia, Carthago Nova Hispano-Carthaginian issues . Trishekel circa 221-206, AR 22.11 g. Laureate head (Melqart or Hannibal) l., with club over r. shoulder. Rev. Elephant r. De Navasques 458. CNH 12 (this obverse die). Robinson, Essays Mattingly, 6(b). Villaronga-Benages 552 (this coin and obverse illustrated on the front cover of the catalogue). Of the highest rarity, possibly the finest of five specimens known of which only three are in private hands. An issue of tremendous fascination and historical importance with a superb portrait of superb Hellenistic style struck in high relief on excellent metal. Light old cabinet tone, almost invisible marks otherwise good extremely fine In terms of inventiveness and composition, this coin ranks among the most extraordinary of Barcid issues. Its high-relief dies are executed with great skill, finding an almost perfect balance between realism and artistic license. Beyond its obvious visual appeal, this type is also of historical interest, even if its place in the events leading up to, and carrying through the Second Punic War is not certainly established.Robinson believed the clean-shaven portrait on this coin was Melkart-Heracles with the features of that most formidable enemy of Rome, Hannibal, who in 221 succeeded his brother-in-law Hasdrubal as commander of Carthaginian forces in Spain. Unlike his diplomatic brother-in-law, Hannibal followed in his father’s footsteps: he behaved aggressively toward rivals, which, inevitably, led to war with Rome.Hostilities between Rome and the Barcids reached a perilous height when, in 218, there was a purge in the city of Saguntum of those who supported good relations with the Barcids. Hannibal responded by laying siege to the city, which in a few months succumbed. Carthage and Rome were now unquestionably at war. Though Italy and Spain were the principal regions of conflict during this long and costly war, at various times most parts of the Western Mediterranean suffered the privations of this conflict.