This coin features a striking design, with an elephant on the reverse, symbolizing the famous use of war elephants by the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca during the Second Punic War (218-202 BC). The image of the elephant recalls the extraordinary military feat of Hannibal crossing the Alps with these majestic animals in 218 BC, one of the most remarkable accomplishments in ancient warfare. On the obverse, the coin depicts a laureate head that has been interpreted as either the god Herakles-Melqart, a deity from Tyre worshipped by the Carthaginians, or as a portrait of Hannibal himself. Despite traditional identification with Herakles-Melqart, the distinct facial features and sideburns suggest that the head may indeed represent a member of the Barca family, possibly Hannibal, as no other portraits of him from his lifetime exist.

The coin's reverse features the elephant, underscoring the pivotal role of these animals in Hannibal's military campaign against Rome, especially his famous crossing of the Alps. The obverse head has traditionally been attributed to either Herakles-Melqart or Triptolemus, the agricultural deity. However, modern scholars have increasingly speculated that the portrait could be that of Hannibal's father, Hamilcar Barca, or even Hannibal himself, based on the realism observed in the features, such as the prominent nose, raised brow, and sideburns.

While conclusive evidence remains absent, this theory suggests that the coin may be the only surviving portrait of the legendary Carthaginian general.

Recent evidence from Sicilian hoards suggests it was likely struck in Carthage during the Second Punic War, around 213-210 BC, for circulation in Sicily. The Enna hoard recorded only two specimens of this rare coin, confirming its scarcity. The coin's realistic design and symbolic reverse highlight the importance of both military and cultural imagery in Carthaginian coinage during a pivotal moment in their conflict with Rome. Despite its uncertain origins, this coin remains an important artifact, offering insight into Carthaginian propaganda, military might, and the legacy of Hannibal Barca.

ZEUGITANA. CARTHAGE. Barcids in Spain. Hannibal Barka, 221 - 201 BC. Shekel 213 / 210 BC, Sicilian mint Agrigento? To finance the South Italian operations in the 2nd Punic War (Hannibal Ad Portas). Orb., diademed head of Hannibal? (as Heracles-Melqart) l., Pkr. Rv.: elephant r. on bottom line, iA Punic letter Aleph (Akragas?), line circle. Robinson 8a (Aleph for Agadir=Gades around 209 BC?); Burnett (Enna) 114 (based on the stamp position for Carthago/Carthago Nova?); SNG Cop. 382; Mazard 73 (Jughurta); Same dies as Leu 83 (2002) 132. AR; 6.71 g; St.0.

Acquired from Kricheldorf in 1990.