Description
Punic occupation, 213-211 BC. AR half shekel, 4.25 gr., 20.5 mm.
Obv.: male head (of Triptolemos?) to the right, wearing wreath of barley ears.
Rev.: horse galloping to the right; below: Punic letter H; all within wreath.
Ref.: Burnett, Enna 132-47; HGC 2, 172. Walker –; SNG Copenhagen 378.
In exceptional condition for the issue. Struck on fresh metal. Practically as struck and almost FDC.
From the Hohmann collection, acquired in the 1990’s from Centro Numismatico, Switzerland.
Triptolemos was a demi-god of the Eleusian Mysteries who presided over the sowing of grain- seed and the milling of wheat. He was one of the Eleusian princes who hospitably received the goddess Demeter when she was mourning the loss of her daughter.
