PHILISTIA (PALESTINE). Gaza. Mid 5th century-333 BC. Obol (Silver, 8 mm, 0.65 g, 3 h). Laureate bearded male head to right. Rev. Falcon standing right; to left, olive sprig; to right, 𐤆𐤏 (''z' in Phoenician); all within dotted square border within incuse square. Gitler & Tal V.8Oa (same dies). Very rare. A beautifully toned example of this extremely interesting issue. Slightly rough, otherwise, good very fine.


The obverse type on this issue closely resembles that on the Aradian silver coinage, whereas the falcon replacing the Athenian owl on the reverse may refer to local falconry traditions.