Greek Coins Iberia, Carthago Nova Hispano-Carthaginian issues . Stater circa 221-206, AV 7.53 g. Laureate bust of Nike l., wearing necklace. Rev. Horse prancing r. De Navasques –. CNH 20 (these dies). Hunterian 1, pl. XCV, 11 (these dies). Robinson, Essays Mattingly, 2(a)* (Gades). Jenkins-Lewis 454 (these dies). Villaronga-Benages 560 (these dies). Of the highest rarity, apparently only the second specimen known and the only one in private hands. An issue of great importance and fascination, several minor marks, otherwise very fine The Barcid mints in Spain produced a remarkable variety of coin types, some of which resembled those of Carthage, and others of which were complete inventions. This may be taken as yet another indication of the relative autonomy of the Barcids from the central government in Carthage. It is impossible to say whether the selection of new coin types was a conscious – or even belligerent – effort of the Barcids to distance themselves from Carthage, or if such decisions were made without political objectives in mind.This rare type, bearing the winged and laureate bust of Nike and a prancing horse, is distinctive, yet still contains elements of traditional Carthaginian types. In the 4th Century B.C. Nike had appeared routinely on tetradrachms struck by the Carthaginians for use in Sicily, yet she was never the principal design element. On some of these Siculo-Punic tetradrachms she hovers, ready to crown either a horse or a horse protome. On others she hovers above a racing quadriga, typically readying to crown the driver; but unlike the other types, these are not Punic inventions, but merely copies of Syracusan prototypes.The present issue of gold staters presumably was struck for use in Spain rather than for export. The handful of specimens known suggests it was a small issue, with Jenkins postulating that it may have been struck with gold the Barcids acquired from mines in Granada and Cordova. It would appear that the stater was the principal denomination in the series, with the quarter-stater being secondary and issued in smaller quantities. The dating of these coins is only approximate, with Jenkins favoring the 230s or later, and the general consensus being that they were struck sometime between 237 and 209.