Great coin Jay!
There was early speculation that these were actually produced as drachms of an earlier period, but that theory has been pretty thoroughly debunked these days. The artistic theme of the horseman/dolphin rider suggests an effort to simulate the larger
didrachm type, and the Phoenician names certainly point to the Hannibalic occupation.
Evans labels this "Period X,
Type B1", but allows that it could in fact be of the earliest emission from this period due to the superior
style, which rivals those coins of the Pyrrhic era. It is definitely a pretty coin!
I'm not sure I would call it "extremely
rare" though. However having said that it must be noted that as there were only approximately 5 or maybe 6
types struck during a brief 3 year reign none of these half-shekel
types are common, and a quick online survey will show that they must be considered at least 'market rare'.
Further references include
SNG France 2065, McGill II, 120 and
Cote 591-93.
This is a nice find and a great addition, congratulations!
-
Peter