From Sidon to Samaria: Fourth-Century BCE Autonomous Coins of Samaria with Sidonian Motifs

Abstract

Roughly 10% of fourth century BCE Samarian coin types display Sidonian coin motifs. Similarities
between Sidonian-styled Samarian coins and Phoenician coins have caused misclassifications,
which are addressed in this paper. Eight new types of Sidonian-styled Samarian coins are
defined. The origin and meanings of the adopted motifs are considered. The historical context
of Sidonian-styled issues in relation to the political character of Samaria and Sidon during the
fourth century BCE is discussed.