HISPANIA. Carthago Nova. 1-1/2 Shekel (11.02 gms), ca. 221-206 B.C. NGC Ch VF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 1/5. Repaired.
Burgos-486. Laureate male head (Melqart or Hannibal) facing left, club over right shoulder; Reverse: Elephant standing right. Repair work evident on the elephant's body. Otherwise a wholesome, well centered and RARE piece boasting great strike details.
Struck for the Carthaginian possessions in Spain, a natural place for expansion after their defeat in the First Punic War where they lost Sicily and Sardinia. Here they regrouped for the inevitable conflict with Rome, the Second Punic War, most famous for Hannibal's Crossing of the Alps.
Purchased privately from NFA.