Sicily. Entella? (as “People of the Camp”). Siculo-Punic Coinage, circa 350-320 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24.24 mm, 16.58 g). Wreathed female head (Tanit-Persephone) left, wearing triple pendant earring and necklace; behind, off-flan, “QRTḤDŠT” ("Carthage" in Punic). Rev. Horse stepping left on double exergual line; palm tree in the background; linear circular border. Jenkins, SNR 56 (1977), p. 37, 49.2 (this coin mentioned but with a weight of 16.70 g) and pl. 1, 49 (O13/R43, same dies). Viola CNP 207 a (same dies). SNG Copenhagen 971 (same dies). SNG Lloyd 1627 (same dies). SNG Lockett 1048 (same dies). Jameson 912 (same dies). Buceti 23 (same dies). Cf. HGC 2, 267. Lightly toned on compact flan. Slightly off-centred reverse. Otherwise, Good Very Fine.

Ex Jesus Vico 159, 20 July 2021, lot 368.

From the Guadan Collection n.1728. The location of the main Carthaginian mint in Sicily identified by Punic inscription as "People of the Camp" has long been a matter of conjecture and dispute. Recent researches suggest the "People of the Camp" mint to have been Entella, a fortress-like city located in central-west Sicily. The Siculo-Punic coinage of Entella seems to have been intended mainly to pay mercenary soldiers who were used to being paid in Greek coin, as the silver tetradrachms adhere closely to the Attic weight standard.