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Ancient Greek

Shekel (Coin) Depicting the God Melkarth

31-30 BCE
Silver

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The front of this coin depicts the god Melkarth (also spelled Melkart, Melqart), the Tyrian version of the Greek hero Herakles, wearing a crown of laurels. On the back an eagle stands facing left, a palm branch visible over its right wing. The inscription translates to "of Tyre the holy and inviolable."

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