After heating and melting the silver, the coiner hammered it into a flat planchet, which was then heated to almost red hot temperature. Using bronze dies, the coiner then struck the top punch with a mallet to imprint the coins images.

Individual coins contain about 14 to 14.5 grams of mostly 95% pure silver.  Because each coin was handstamped, coin sizes and weights vary, but in general they usually measure from 20 to 28 mm in diameter.

The coin’s obverse features a laureate head of a beardless Melqarth facing right with a lion’s skin knotted around his neck. Melqarth was an iconic figure personifying Tyre’s prevailing local religion.

The coin’s reverse features an eagle standing on the beak of a ship carrying a single palm frond under wing. A club, which is the Tyre mint mark, fills the left field along with the date. The Greek legend adorning the coin translates as “Of Tyre, the holy and inviolable.”

If you are like me, then I know you are vigilant for opportunities to acquire the extraordinary, but that you also have a keen sense for detecting extraordinary value. So, I won’t mince words with you. For a very limited time, I’m extending an invitation to you to acquire one of these exceptional historic coins as your very own.

Considering how many professional years it took me to come upon this lot of exceptional Tyre shekels, it could be years, if ever, before I will be able to make this offer again. Call your account representative toll free right now at (800) 321-8700 for details and availability. But hurry! When these are gone, this offer will be withdrawn without notice.  It’s not like I expect to find another lot of this quality and size anytime soon, if ever.