Phoenicia, Arados. Circa 242-166 BC. (No reserve price)

The coin from Arados, Phoenicia, dating circa 242-166 BC, reflects the numismatic heritage of a significant ancient city-state located on the coast of modern-day Syria. Arados (modern Arwad) was one of the important Phoenician maritime centers known for its seafaring prowess and commercial networks across the Mediterranean. Phoenician coinage like that from Arados often incorporates unique local iconography intertwined with aspects of Hellenistic artistic styles, given the widespread influence following Alexander the Great's conquests. This timeframe encompasses the Hellenistic period, where Arados was part of the Seleucid Empire, resulting in coins serving both economic and political purposes by asserting local identity within broader imperial structures. The coin is a testament to Phoenicia's critical role in ancient trade and cultural exchanges between East and West.