SAMARIA. Late 5th to late 4th century BC. Half M'h (Silver, 7 mm, 0.36 g, 5 h). Bull springing to right, head turned back to left. Rev. Lion seated facing, tail projecting to left. Jeselsohn 237-238. Meshorer & Qedar 135. Extremely rare and very well preserved, a beautifully toned and lovely coin. Some deposits on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.


Facing lion heads are quite common in ancient numismatics, but this depiction of a lion sitting frontally, including its hind legs, is exceptional. The only deviation from the perfect frontal perspective is the tail of the predator, which extends into the left field.