Help with 1/16 Shekel

[Matthew L2]

Hello. I have this, what I think is, Sidon, Phoenician 1/16th Shekel. Any help on telling if it’s real?

[Matthew L2]

A couple of much closer pics. Sorry about the lighting…

[Arados]

Hi,

You did not state why you suspect your coin but yes its definately authentic and a coin struck in Sidon during the reign of Ba `lsallim II.

Phoenicia, Sidon 401-366 BC

Obverse: Galley left with oars and row of shields; below waves, Phoenician letter beth (B) above, cable border.

Reverse: Ba `lsallim II (Persian King) wearing crenellated crown; seizing Lions forelock with left hand and holding dagger in right, slaying lion standing before him on hind legs, Phoenician letter ayin (`) between, Square incuse.


Ref: HGC10 Pg.68, No.240; BMC Phoenicia Pg.146, No.36-40, Pl.XIX 11; Betlyon Pg.12, No.27, Pl.3 (1); Elayi & Elayi, Group IV 1.3, P.137, no.855

https://phoeniciancoins.wordpress.com/sidon/

[Callimachus]

Do the edge splits on these coins come with nice rounded edges? 
The ones on this coin do not look like they happened when the coin was struck. Especially the top edge split on the top photo.

[Arados]

Do the edge splits on these coins come with nice rounded edges? 
The ones on this coin do not look like they happened when the coin was struck. Especially the top edge split on the top photo.

I suspect that you are referring to the test cuts on this coin and not flan cracks, i have never heard of edge splits. It was common practice in antiquity to test cut coins so as to determine the authenticity of a coin and to check whether it had a base metal (bronze). The smooth edges occurred during the coins circulation.

You will find plenty of similar test cuts on Persian coins of Arados and Sidon on my website.