SAMARIA. Anepigraphic types with Achaemenid and regional influences. Circa 400-332 BC. Half M'h (Silver, 8 mm, 0.21 g, 7 h). Bull springing to right, head turned back to left. Rev. Lion seated facing, tail projecting to left. CSC 198. Jeselsohn 237-8. Meshorer & Qedar 135. Sofaer 227-8. Extremely rare. A beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved example, surely one of the finest known. About extremely 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.