SICILY. Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’). Tetradrachm (Circa 330-305 BC).

Obv: Charioteer driving quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike flying left above, crowning charioteer.
Rev: Wreathed head of Arethusa right, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; surrounded by three dolphins.

Jenkins, Punic 48 (O17/R37); CNP 318; HGC 2, 741.

Lilybaion was located at the site of today's Marsala on the western tip of Sicily. The name, literally 'facing Libya' is a direct reference to the geographical location. The city was founded in 397 BC by refugees who survived the destruction of Motya by Dionysius I, who created an important centre thanks to its strategic position and impregnable stronghold, which was later reinforced by the Carthaginians. The fortress was able to resist Pyrrhus in 276 BC and the almost ten-year siege by the Romans during the First Punic War. Following the Roman victory against the Carthaginians and the Treaty of Eryx, the city passed to the Romans and took the name Lilybaeum, continuing to play an important military and commercial role in the Republican period. Its naval base was used by Scipio to finally destroy Carthage. It was also an important base for Julius Caesar during his civil war against Pompey. The abundance, style and coin types minted by Lilybaion testify to the wealth and importance achieved by the city in the Punic period.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 17.22 g.
Diameter: 24 mm.