PHILISTIA (PALESTINE). Gaza. Mid 5th century-333 BC. Obol (Silver, 8 mm, 0.67 g, 6 h). Archaic-style janiform head, composed of a female to right and a bearded male to left. Rev. Owl standing facing between olive sprays; to right and left, 𐤆-𐤏 (''z' in Phoenician); all within shallow round incuse. Gitler & Tal V.6Oa. Very rare and with an interesting and unusual reverse. Somewhat porous and the obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, very fine.


The reverse of this issue is reminiscent of the facing owls on the famous Athenian dekadrachms.