PALESTINE, Samaria. 375-332 BC
PALESTINE, Samaria. 375-332 BC
AR Obol, 375-332 BC, 0.63g (6mm, 12h).
RY', horse walking r. in beaded square border / 'R', winged sphinx with crowned man's head facing r.
Pedigree: Ex. Gert Cleff collection, Wuppertal; ex Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Auction 63, 2003, lot 745.
References: Meshorer - Qedar, Samarian Coinage 27 var.
Grade: Obverse has very little wear, but is slightly o/c. The Horse's head is only 1/2 on flan. Reverse is very nice wth slight wear. VF+/EF. (gk1680)
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Samaria is the central region of ancient Palestine. At the time this coin was struck it was under control of the Achaemenid Empire (Persians) and was so until its conquest by Alexander the Great in c. 330 BC. There are a wealth of fractional coinage that were issued in the satrapal areas of the Persian Empire during this period. Due to their small size one could assume it was for use by the locals versus compensation for troops which typically were larger denominations.