Head of Tanit-Persephone Tetradrachm (350-320 BCE)

The Siculo-Punic Tetradrachm, minted between 350-320 BC, is a remarkable silver coin that embodies both Greek and Carthaginian influences. On the obverse, it features the head of Tanit-Persephone, while the reverse depicts a horse, symbolizing strength and power. This ancient coin provides a unique glimpse into the syncretic nature of the cultures in Sicily during the period when Greek and Carthaginian civilizations intersected.

The tetradrachm was likely minted in Lilybaion (modern-day Marsala, Sicily), a Carthaginian stronghold during the 4th century BC. The coin dates from a time when Carthage was heavily involved in Sicilian politics and warfare, particularly during the Punic Wars with Greece. The use of both Tanit, a Carthaginian goddess, and Persephone, a Greek deity, highlights the cultural amalgamation occurring in the region. Persephone’s abduction by Hades and her role in the Greek myth explaining the seasons added depth to her symbolism, while Tanit was revered as a goddess of fertility, war, and wisdom in Carthaginian society.

A notable anecdote involves the powerful associations surrounding Tanit and Persephone. Legend has it that Persephone’s yearly cycle of descent to the underworld and return symbolized the cycle of agricultural life, a myth that resonated deeply with agrarian societies. In Sicily, where Greek and Punic cultures converged, Tanit was identified with Persephone, representing a bridge between the two traditions. Coins like this tetradrachm would have circulated widely, fostering the blending of mythologies.

The coin serves as a tangible example of cultural syncretism in ancient Sicily. Tanit-Persephone, the goddess on the obverse, combines the Carthaginian and Greek pantheons, reflecting the interconnectedness of the Mediterranean world. In Greek mythology, Persephone is the goddess of the underworld and the symbol of life’s cycle, while in Carthaginian culture, Tanit is both a nurturing mother and a fierce protector. The horse on the reverse signifies power and mobility, crucial to both Greek and Carthaginian military prowess.

This tetradrachm is made of silver and measures approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Silver was the preferred material for coins of high value in ancient times, often minted to finance military campaigns. The obverse features a detailed representation of Tanit-Persephone, while the reverse displays a horse, possibly representing Carthaginian cavalry. The high level of craftsmanship in the coin’s engraving reflects the advanced minting techniques of the time.

The coin is currently housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art, part of a collection that showcases ancient Mediterranean artifacts. Before reaching this museum, it is likely to have passed through the hands of collectors and auction houses, as ancient coins are prized for their historical and aesthetic value.