Triton XIV, Lot: 372. Estimate $500. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR ½ Shekel (20mm, 7.15 g, 12h). Dated CY 172 (AD 46/7). Bust of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow, palm frond over right wing; to left, POB (date) above club; KP and uncertain symbol to right, Phoenician A between legs; [TYPOY] IEPAΣ KAI AΣ[YΛOY] around. Rouvier -; cf. HGC 10, 358 (unlisted date); AUB -; RPC I -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. Good VF. Unrecorded date for denomination.

The symbol in the right field on the reverse of this coin is very unusual. Its characteristics make its identification as a monogram unlikely, but a representation of a temple façade is possible--perhaps that of the famous Temple of Melkart in Tyre?